Final answer:
The texts discuss the political upheaval in the late Roman Republic with figures like Caesar, Cicero, and Cato, illustrating the decline of republican values and the rise of autocracy.
Step-by-step explanation:
The historical context of the excerpts provided revolves around the political turbulence and power struggles of the late Roman Republic, highlighting influential figures such as Caesar, Cicero, and Cato. The texts describe actions and reforms led by Caesar, the schemes of political factions, and descriptions of legislative manipulation—all contributing to the decline of the Roman Republic and paving the way for the establishment of the Roman Empire.
The details provided suggest the involvement of armed forces in the political arena, which denotes a significant departure from traditional Roman governance, illustrating the shift towards autocracy. Cicero's speeches depict the internal conflicts and the undermining of Rome's republican values, while letters and anecdotes reveal the sentiments and resistance of some of Rome's most notable statesmen against the rising tide of Caesar's control.