The power of the Plebeians grew by degrees through the exertion of the
prerogatives of the Tribunes, and about 400 B. C. the office of the
Military Tribunes became open to the Plebeians, and four out of the six
were chosen from that order. After the capture of Rome by the Gauls (390
B. C.), fresh troubles for the Plebeians arose. Their lands near Rome
had been laid waste, cattle killed, and implements of agriculture
destroyed. Heavy taxes were imposed to make up for the loss of public
treasure carried off by the Gauls, and soon the old trouble of debt
arose, and consequent oppression by the Patrician creditors.