Quintus Flaminius Vitulus bustled his way through the crowd, with Vespillo clearing the way for him. The throngs were here for Market Day, a raucous collection of traders of all descriptions and the citizens of Rome all out for a bargain.

Almost unnoticed by many, Vitulus stepped up on to the Rostra and spread his arms wide to the crowd.

"Citizens of Rome! I greet you, one and all! On Market Day, when Romans from within the city and without are gathered here, the Tribunes are here to hear your voices and your concerns, and to open up the Plebeian Assembly to the people to have their say!

"As President of the College of Tribunes, I hereby open this session of the Plebeian Assembly!"