 The threat against him was lifted by the intervention of his mother's family, which included supporters of Sulla, and the Vestal Virgins.Sulla gave in reluctantly and is said to have declared that he saw many a Marius in Caesar.The loss of his priesthood had allowed him to pursue a military career, as the high priest of Jupiter was not permitted to touch a horse, sleep three nights outside his own bed or one night outside Rome, or look upon an army.