- Political factions developed. Optimates representing conservatives supported the Senate’s desire for status quo and they were opposed by the Populares who supported change.
Impact: The interests of the people as expressed through the assembly were now determined to overcome the will of the Senate.
- In 110 B.C. Rome began a war with Numidia and its charismatic leader Jugurtha. After a series of failed attempts to defeat the enemy, and the replacement of several commanding generals, the Plebian general Marius was chosen as the commander by the assembly against the wishes of the Senate.
Impact: The people’s assembly used its power to manage foreign policy, an invasion the rights previously held exclusively by the Senate.