After Sulla’s ordinances, a restored oligarchy of the nobiles held office at Rome. […] Sulla restored the oligarchic rule of the nobiles. […] The restored oligarchy, established by violence and confiscation, perpetuated a narrow tradition. […] When the tyrant fell and the constitution was restored, would Antonius be strong enough to hold party and government together? […] Thoughtful men reflected that its powers could easily be restored one day under another appellation.