Rullus, probably with other motives, was desirous of effecting a subversion which, though equally great, should be made altogether in a different direction.

The ostensible purpose was something as follows: as the Roman people had by their valor and wisdom achieved for Rome great victories, and therefore great wealth, they, as Roman citizens, were entitled to the enjoyment of what they had won; whereas, in fact, the sweets of victory fell to the lot only of a few aristocrats.

For the reform of this evil it should be enacted that all public property which had been thus acquired, whether land or chattels, should be sold, and with the proceeds other lands should be bought fit for the use of Roman citizens, and be given to those who would choose to have it.

It was specially suggested that the rich country called the Campania--that in which Naples now stands with its adjacent isles--should be bought up and given over to a great Roman colony.

For the purpose of carrying out this law ten magistrates should be appointed, with plenipotentiary power both as to buying and selling.
There were many underplots in this.