The patriciate was an urban aristocracy, as opposed to a feudal one. In 30 BC, Augustus raised Marcus Junius Silanus to the patriciate. Nevertheless, only the nobility or patriciate had the right to exercise the wealth-bringing long-distance trade. But members of the urban patriciate were also persecuted. In 29 BC, Octavian elevated this family to the patriciate. The restoration of power to the patriciate was only temporary. It was the same patriciate that erected a monopoly of political leadership. Often the Municipality or the Patriziato (Patriciate) lent the money for the trip. However, membership in the patriciate could be passed on through the female line. In Soleure the patriciate in fact was formed gradually. The van Vollenhoven family and the Stuylingh de Lange family belong to the Dutch patriciate. However, the patriciate was seized by terror at the prospect of a popular uprising. Members of noble families were able to join the city patriciate usually unchallenged.