against the Gauls, who had settled in Galatia about a century before,
and had become wealthy by means of constant plunderings. The excuse
for the campaign was, that they had served in the Syrian army; the
reason was, their wealth, and the ambition of the Consul for glory.

The Galatians were easily overcome, their wealth seized, and they
themselves became assimilated to their neighbors. This war is
noticeable chiefly for the reason that Manlius undertook it _without
the authority of the Senate_, the first instance of its kind, and a
precedent which was too frequently followed in later times. On his
return to Rome he was allowed a triumph, which stamped his act as
legal.

These wars in the East brought to Rome immense riches, which laid the
foundation of its Oriental extravagance and luxury, and finally
undermined the strength of the state. From Greece were introduced
learning and refinement, from Asia immorality and effeminacy. The
vigor and tone of Roman society are nowhere more forcibly shown than
in the length of time it took for its subjugation by these ruinous
exotics.

Meanwhile, at Rome the political enemies of the Scipios were in the
ascendency. Asiaticus was accused of misappropriating funds obtained
during his campaign in the East. As he was about to produce his
account-books before the Senate, his brother, Africanus, seized them,
tore them to pieces, and threw the remnants on the floor. Asiaticus,
however, was sentenced to pay a fine. When it was afterwards intimated
that his brother too was implicated, he proudly reminded his enemies
that their insinuations were ill-timed, for it was the anniversary of
Zama. This remark changed the tide of feeling, and no more charges