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CLODIUS AND MILO .-- DEATH OF CRASSUS.
During the nine years (59-50) passed by Caesar in Gaul, great confusion prevailed at Rome.

The Republic needed a strong, firm hand, which would stop the shedding of blood and insure security of person and property.
Pompey had attempted to bring about this result, but had failed.

There were two prominent factions, one led by CLODIUS, the other by MILO.
"Clodius is the most extraordinary figure in this extraordinary period.
He had no character.

He had no distinguished talent save for speech; he had no policy; he was ready to adopt any cause or person which for the moment was convenient to him; and yet for five years this man was the leader of the Roman mob.