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Roman History, Books I-III

Titus Livius (Livy) · c. 30–17 CE; composed over more than forty years (extant Books I–III are within this span) primary

passage 116 of 212 · BOOK I > BOOK II (43/66)

in brief
Cassius’ unpopularity fades as the agrarian idea persists; after earlier frictions, patricians keep offices within the Fabius line, fight renewed Volscian conflict, and dedicate the Temple of Castor on the ides of July.

an open space before the Temple of Tellus.[51] However, whether the trial was held in private or public, he was condemned in the consulship of Servius Cornelius and Quintus Fabius.

The resentment of the people against Cassius was not lasting. The charm of the agrarian law, now that its proposer was removed, of itself entered their minds: and their desire of it was further kindled by the meanness of the senators, who, after the Volscians and Æquans had been completely defeated in that year, defrauded the soldiers of their share of the booty; whatever was taken from the enemy, was sold by the consul Fabius, and the proceeds lodged in the public treasury. All who bore the name of Fabius became odious to the commons on account of the last consul: the patricians, however, succeeded in getting Cæso Fabius elected consul with Lucius Æmilius. The commons, still further aggravated at this, provoked war abroad by exciting disturbance at home;[52] in consequence of the war civil dissensions were then discontinued. Patricians and commons uniting, under the command of Æmilius, overcame the Volscians and Æquans, who renewed hostilities, in a successful engagement. The retreat, however, destroyed more of the enemy than the battle; so perseveringly did the cavalry pursue them when routed. During the same year, on the ides of July,[53]the Temple of Castor was dedicated: it had been vowed during the Latin war in the dictatorship of Postumius: his son, who was elected duumvir for that special purpose, dedicated it.

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topics: custom and the manners of a people · justice as a virtue · property, inheritance, and title

Roman History, Books I-III · Titus Livius (Livy) · 30 BCE–17