Decades of Gloom

-According to legend, after the Decemvirate drama passed, Rome still had a lot of problems between 450-400 BC.
   -Patricians and plebs still hated each other.
   -The population of the city was growing, but there wasn't enough food or land for everyone.
      -Famine and crop failure were common.
   -The military was breaking down and Rome began to lose territory to their enemies.
   -Plebs were still pissed about the law blocking them from marrying patricians.
      -This also blocked them from high offices, such as the consulship or Pontifex Maximus.
      -However, eventually the plebs finally won the right to marry, and by 366 BC a pleb was finally named consul.
         -Also during that time, military tribunes elected by plebs were given power similar to that of consuls.
-Consuls were also in charge of the census every year- this determined the number and status of various populations, which influenced the voting block.
   -Eventually, the office of the censor was created to undertake the census.
-Around 439 BC, after Cincinatus retired, Rome became involved in a clash with Veii.
   -The Etruscan city of Fidenae, under control of Rome, also decided to revolt.
   -Veii backed Fidenae, and there was a battle to recapture the city, which went on for years.
      -The Romans wanted the city because it was on the Tiber River, and was good for trade.
         -They finally recaptured the city in 425 BC.