The oppression of the debtors (who were imprisoned and flogged on
failure to pay) caused a withdrawal of the Plebeians in a body to Mons
Sacer (Holy Hill), outside the Roman territory, three miles from Rome.
Their purpose was to erect a new town, and dwell apart, with equal
rights. The Patricians, left helpless against foreign enemies, as usual
in such cases, made concessions when forced to terms. It was agreed that
two officials should be appointed (to offset the two consuls, who were
Patrician magistrates) for the defense of the commoners against the
cruel exercise of the law of debtor and creditor.