Book XLVII.
Cneius Tremellius, a plebeian tribune, was [Y.R. 593. B.C. 159] fined for contending in
an unjust cause with Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, the chief priest; which greatly enhanced the
authority of the priesthood. A law was made respecting the canvassing for offices. [Y.R.
594. B.C. 158.] A census was held: the number of Roman citizens was found to be three
hundred and twenty-eight thousand three hundred and fourteen. Marcus Aemilius Lepidus was
again chosen chief of the senate. A treaty was concluded between the Ptolemies, brothers,
that one should be the king of Egypt, the other of Cyrene. [Y.R. 595. B.C. 157.]
Ariarathes, king of Cappadocia, being deprived of his kingdom by the intrigues and power
of Demetrius, king of Syria, was restored by the senate. Ambassadors were sent by the
senate to determine a territorial dispute between Masinissa and the Carthaginians. [Y.R.
596. B.C. 156.] Caius Marcius, the consul, fought against the Dalmatians, at first
unfortunately; but afterwards successfully. The cause of this war was, that they had made
inroads upon the Illyrians, who were in alliance with the people of Rome. [Y.R. 597. B.C.
155.] The Dalmatians were subdued by the consul, Cornelius Nasica. The consul, Quintus
Opimius, defeats the Transalpine Ligurians, who
[p. 2176] had plundered
Antipolis and Nicaea, two towns belonging to the Massilians. [Y.R. 598. B.C. 154.] Various
ill successes occurred, under different commanders, in Spain. In the five hundred and
ninety-eighth year from the foundation of the city the consuls enter upon office
immediately after the conclusion of their election; which alteration was made on account
of a rebellion in Spain. Y.R. 599. B.C. 153.] The ambassadors sent by the senate to
determine a dispute between Masinissa and the Carthaginians, return, and report that the
Carthaginians had collected a vast quantity of materials for ship-building. Several
praetors, accused of extortion by different provinces, were condemned and punished.
