ABSTRACT
The aristocracy of Rome in early days had consisted of the patrician clans, who in the fifth and fourth centuries had fought a losing battle with the plebeians in an attempt to keep control over the political, economic, social, and religious life of the community. Although the People had considerable powers of legislation and election, nevertheless a small body of men managed to retain real power in their own hands. Beside depending on the electoral support of their clients, the nobles sought help from their families, their gentes and, by means of political friendships or alliances (amicitiae), from other gentes. The world of Cicero’s childhood was changing rapidly. The most serious threat to the control of the Senate was ultimately to come from men whose ambitions led them to seek personal predominance by winning the personal loyalty of Roman armies.
