The behavior of the Decemviri with respect to the right of marriage between Patricians and Plebeians (forbidding it) in formulating the Twelve Tables (Leges Duodecim Tabularum) left a residue of bad feeling amongst Plebeians. Especially since the customary laws were published for the purpose of protecting Plebeians from arbitrary decisions of Patrician magistrates. This bad feeling was given a personal dimension in the high handed behavior of the Patrician Appius Claudius toward the Plebeian maiden Virginia and her father Virginius and her betrothed Icilius. Virginia’s death at the hands of her father (an honor killing) and the incarceration of Virginius and Icilius on charges of sedition by Appius Claudius was the immediate cause of the second Plebeian secession. Essentially, the Plebeian population of the city shut down its businesses and left its jobs and retired to the mons sacer (sacred hill) outside the city walls. Consequently, all city business came to a halt.

The Plebeians’ demands were straightforward: the Decemvirs must disband, the consulship must be reinstated, the tribuneship must be reinstated, and there must be the right of appeal from all magistrates’ rulings on capital trials.

The Patricians appointed two negotiators who were responsive to the Plebeian demands. Ultimately, these Patricians were both elected consuls to replace the Decemvirs.

Once the institutions of the republic were “reconstituted”, Icilius brought a case against Appius Claudius, the man who tried to enslave and molest Virginia. He was incarcerated and committed suicide before he could be brought to trial. His property was confiscated and given to the state. The same happened to S. Oppius, a fellow traveler. Marcus Claudius, the client of Appius who had participated in the attempted enslavement of Virginia, was spared capital punishment. He was banished from Rome.