Cneius Tremellius, a plebeian tribune, was [Y. R. 593. B. C. 159] fined
for contending in an unjust cause with Marcus Æmilius Lepidus, the chief
priest; which greatly enhanced the authority of the priesthood. A law
was made respecting the canvassing for offices, [Y. R. 594. B. C. 158.]
A census was held: the number of Roman citizens was found to be three
hundred and twenty-eight thousand three hundred and fourteen. Marcus
Æmilius Lepidus was again chosen chief of the senate. A treaty was
concluded between the Ptolemies, brothers, that one should be the king
of Egypt, the other of Cyrene. [Y. R. 595. B. C. 157.] Ariarathes, king
of Cappadocia, being deprived of his kingdom by the intrigues and power
of Demetrius, king of Syria, was restored by the senate. Ambassadors
were sent by the senate to determine a territorial dispute between
Masinissa and the Carthaginians, [Y. R. 596. B. C. 156.] Caius Marcius,
the consul, fought against the Dalmatians, at first unfortunately; but
afterwards successfully. The cause of this war was, that they had made
inroads upon the Illyrians, who were in alliance with the people of
Rome. [Y. R. 597. B. C. 155.] The Dalmatians were subdued by the consul,
Cornelius Nasica. The consul, Quintus Opimius, defeats the Transalpine
Ligurians, who had plundered Antipolis and Nicæa, two towns belonging
to the Massilians. [Y. R. 598. B. C. 154.] Various ill successes
occurred under different commanders, in Spain. In the five hundred and
ninety-eighth year from the foundation of the city, the consuls enter
upon office immediately after the conclusion of their election; which
alteration was made on account of a rebellion in Spain. [Y. R. 599. B.
C. 153.] The ambassadors sent by the senate to determine a dispute
between Masinissa and the Carthaginians return, and report that the
Carthaginians had collected a vast quantity of materials for
ship-building. Several prætors, accused of extortion by different
provinces, were condemned and punished.