In 54 BC Pompey’s wife Julia (3) had died, ending his family tie with Caesar, hastening their political estrangement that the clashes between Clodius’ and Milo’s supporters had come to symbolise. In January 52 BC the two gangs clashed out on the Appian Way. Clodius was wounded, taken to an inn and murdered on the orders of Milo. His body was taken to the Forum and the insurrectionary crowd began raging against Milo. The fire consuming the body got out of hand and the Senate House and the adjoining basilica were burnt down.
Violent disorder broke out and the government lost control of the capital. With Crassus dead and Caesar away fighting the Gauls beyond the Alps, the crowds began calling for Pompey to be made dictator. The Senate, fearful of giving absolute power to someone they feared and distrusted, appointed Pompey as sole consul until a fellow consul was elected in August. Corrupt practices were outlawed and violence curbed. Milo, deserted now by Pompey, was put on trial for the murder of Clodius. In a court filled with Pompey’s troops, Milo was found guilty and sent into exile.
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