longest, but were finally put down by Marius.

The end of the Social War brought no peace at Rome. The newly
enfranchised Italians were not fully satisfied. The Senate was torn
asunder by violent personal rivalries. There was no class not affected
by the wide-spread tightness in the money market. The treasury was
empty, and many capitalists became insolvent. War with Mithradátes,
King of Pontus, had been declared, and both Marius and Sulla were
eager to have the command.

At this time (88) the TRIBUNE PUBLIUS SULPICIUS RUFUS brought forward
the following bills:--

1. That the command of the war against Mithradátes be given to Marius.

2. That the new citizens should be distributed through all the tribes.

3. That any Senator who owed more than four hundred dollars be
deprived of his seat.

4. That those exiled on suspicion of having aided in the Italian
revolt be recalled.

In spite of the bitterest opposition, these bills were passed. But the
triumph of Sulpicius was of short duration. Sulla, who with his troops
had been encamping near Nola in Campania, marched upon the city, and
for the first time a Consul entered Rome at the head of his legions.