The _ager publicus_, taken from the Gauls then, was still mostly unoccupied.

In 232 the Tribune Gaius Flaminius (Footnote: Gaius Flaminius, by his agrarian laws gained the bitter hatred of the nobility.

He was the first Governor of Sicily, and there showed himself to be a man of integrity and honesty, a great contrast to many who succeeded him.) carried an agrarian law, to the effect that this land be given to the veterans and the poorer classes.

The law was executed, and colonies planted.

To the Gauls this seemed but the first step to the occupation of the whole of their country.