Marcus Aemilius Lepidus had gained wealth and power by politically allying himself with Sulla, but once the dictator resigns in 79 BCE, Lepidus attempts to undermine the Sullan constitution.

Elected consul for the year 78 BCE with the support of Pompey, he tries to stop Sulla from being buried in the Campus Martius.

However, Pompey turns against his candidate and uses his influence to ensure that the full funeral and burial goes ahead.

Lepidus passes several resolutions during his term that firmly place him in the camp of the populares.

His offer to restore land that had been taken by Sulla to the Italians puts him at odds with his fellow consul, Quintus Lutatius Catulus.

The two factions come so close to war that the senate makes them swear not to fight, and sends Lepidus to administer the province of Transalpine Gaul.

The terms of their oath do not prevent Lepidus from returning the next year with an army, so he agrees to it.

Before he leaves, he offers those Sulla had sent into exile a chance to return, a move that alarms the Senate.

They correctly judge that he is attempting to gather his allies around him to start a civil war.

Lepidus, recalled from his province, brings his army with him back to Rome, where he is defeated by Catulus in a pitched battle on the Campus Martius.

Forced into exile in Sardinia, he dies soon afterwards.