Consul for the first time in BC 447, Julius and his colleague, Marcus Geganius Macerinus, inherited a state still rife with tension between the aristocratic party in the
Roman Senate, and the people, whose chief defenders were the
tribunes of the plebs. The consuls were directed to recruit soldiers to fight the
Aequi and the
Volsci, an action that was certain to inflame the populace; but as no threat appeared imminent, they suspended the order, reasoning that unrest in the city would only encourage Rome's enemies. Despite their measures to keep the peace, the consuls were unable to prevent the more extreme elements of the aristocratic faction from banding together to harass and intimidate the tribunes, until in fear of their very lives they became utterly ineffectual. In Julius' second consulship, BC 435, Rome was in the midst of an epidemic that had started the previous year. Ordinary plans to raise an army against rival cities had to be abandoned, giving an opening to the men of
Fidenae. Aided by the
Veientes, the Fidenates took the field and advanced deep into Roman territory, according to Livy advancing almost within sight of the
Colline Gate. Julius took what soldiers he could and manned the city walls, while his colleague, Proculus Verginius Tricostus, convened the senate in the temple of
Quirinus, and then nominated
Quintus Servilius Priscus as
dictator. Servilius and his
magister equitum,
Postumus Aebutius Elva, called a muster of all able-bodied men outside the Colline Gate, and immediately took the field. Alarmed by the Roman activity, the Fidenates and their allies retreated, and were harried by the dictator's army until they took refuge within the walls of Fidenae. Lacking the resources to maintain a long siege, Servilius entrenched his men and gave the impression of a siege, while
sappers dug a passage under the city wall and into the citadel, which Servilius then captured, earning for himself the surname
Fidenas. ==See also==