., devised by the political dynasts Pompeius, Crassus and Caesar to control the State and secure the domination of the most powerful of their number. […] They did not mind. 1 Some lived remote and secure in the enjoyment of hereditary estates, content with the petty dignity of municipal office in the towns of Italy. […] They would secure lawyers reputed for eloquence, high principle and patriotism. […] The execution of their plot allowed no delay, no attempt to secure a majority of the army commanders for their cause and they did not think that it was necessary. […] It was probably at this point that Dolabella, without awaiting the end of his consulate, set out for the East to secure the province of Syria.