Liviae leges

Laws proposed by M. Livius Drusus, a tribune, B.C. 92, about transplanting colonies to different parts of Italy and Sicily, and granting corn to poor citizens at a low price; also, that the iudices should be chosen indiscriminately from the senators and equites, and that the allied States of Italy should be admitted to the freedom of the city. Drusus was a man of great eloquence and of the most upright intentions; but, endeavouring to reconcile those whose interests were diametrically opposite, he was crushed in the attempt, being murdered by an unknown assassin in his own house, upon his return from the Forum, amid a number of clients and friends. No inquiry was made about his death. The States of Italy considered this event the signal for a revolt, and endeavoured to extort by force the privileges which they could not obtain voluntarily. Above 300,000 men fell in the contest in the space of two years. At last the Romans, although upon the whole they had the advantage, were obliged to grant the freedom of the city, first to the allies, and afterwards to all the States of Italy (Vell. Paterc. ii. 13 foll.; Flor.iii. 18).