year of office was nearly ended, the decemvirs had not finished the code of laws as they were expected to have done.
It was soon plain why they had seen no reason for haste, for, when the year came to an end, the decemvirs refused to resign.
Both patricians and plebeians were indignant, while the Senate, angry that the decemvirs did not consult it, had already, for the most part, left Rome.
To add to the confusion in the country, war now broke out with the Sabines and the Æquians.
One of the Roman armies was to be led by a plebeian tribune, who was loved by the people, for he had fought for his country in one hundred and twenty battles. On his way to join his army, this brave soldier was murdered, it was said by the order of Appius Claudius. The soldiers were furious at the loss of their leader, and the hatred against the chief of the decemvirs increased each day.
