Licinius Murena, descendants of ancient and famous houses of praetorian rank.) […] They waited in patience to assert their ancient predominance. […] The compact with Metelli and Scipiones recalled ancient history and revealed the political decline of two great houses. […] But Oppius lacks colour beside the formidable Balbus, the leading personage in the ancient Punic city of Gades in Spain. […] With the Roman plebs and the legions of Gaul, a group of ancient families, young men of eager talent and far- sighted bankers as his adherents, Caesar easily won Rome and Italy.