University:
University of the People
Course:
Hist 1421 | History Greek & Roman Civilization
Academic year:

2020
Views:

238

Pages:

2
Author:

Camilla Dunn

Introduction The Romans divided their citizens into two classes, the Plebeians, and the Patricians. Due to political and economic differences, a struggle developed which led to the Plebeian revolt. The Patrician was the upper-class group of the Roman citizens, while the Plebeians were the lower class, known as plebs. The Patricians and the Plebeians rarely mixed socially and struggle for political power. The Plebeians were the most majority of society and also constituted an important portion of Roman society. According to Maria Milani, “they were the descendants of people who had come to Rome after the Patrician families had founded it” (Maria Milani, nd). The Plebeians were working citizens of Rome like bakers, builders, farmers and craftsmen who support their families and also pay taxes. Within this period, early forms of public welfare were established by Trajan and Titus. The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were so important that they preserved the living spaces, tools, graffiti, and shops of people that would be lost to history. Most Plebeians could not write or record their experience, moreover, some plebeians, who were doing well, try to save money to join the equestrian class. During political unrest, the plebeians who had little power was always the risk of the Roman mob rioting or rebelling against most of the upper classes. According to Devillier Donegan, “Emperor Augustus being aware of this risk was keen to keep the poorest plebeians happy enough and reasonably well-fed so that they would not riot” (Devillier Donegan, 2006). Political and Economic Differences: When it comes to Politics the Patrician monopolized the magistrates' office and wants to keep excluded especially from the public offices. Moreover, the Plebeians want an equal share of power and to always have their voices heard in the Roman government. The Patricians kept the Plebeians out of the political office by sending them to war always. Patricians also claimed the Plebeians' land and other properties. The Plebeians had no voting rights and no say in how their taxes should be spent. The Patricians were the ones ruling and held all the political power, though they were a small percentage of the Roman population. The Plebeians had few rights because all the government and religious positions were held by the upper class. The law was made by the Patricians and the Plebeians were not allowed to marry Patricians. The Plebeians Revolt and its results: The revolt started around 494 BC, the Plebeians fought against the rule of Patricians. This was called “Conflict of the Orders.” They Plebeians protested by going on strike, they refuse to work, refused to fight in the army and would leave the city for a while. With time, the Plebeians gained some rights including the right to marry Patricians and the right to run for office. The Plebeians were now allowed to elect their government officials. They had the power to vote new laws from the Roman senate. Conclusion: Eventually, only a few legal differences can be seen between the Plebeians and the Patricians. Plebeians could now marry Patricians and could be elected to the Senate or be appointed as consuls.

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