But the most of it was occupied by permission of the magistrates.

The occupants were usually rich patricians, who were favored by the patrician magistrates.

This land, so occupied, was called AGER OCCUPATUS, or _possessio_; but it really was still the property of the state.

The rent paid was a certain per cent (from 10 to 20) of the crops, or so much a head for cattle on pasture land.

Although the state had the undoubted right to claim this land at any time, the magistrates allowed the occupants to retain it, and were often lenient about collecting dues.