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Roman Social Classes and The Roman Republic

Roman Social Classes and The Roman Republic. Ancient Europe. Social Structure . Patricians – wealthy, aristocratic class (land owning upper-class) Very few people were patricians Citizens Plebeians – most people Wealthy non-aristocratic townspeople and landowners

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Roman Social Classes and The Roman Republic

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  1. Roman Social Classesand The Roman Republic Ancient Europe

  2. Social Structure • Patricians – wealthy, aristocratic class (land owning upper-class) • Very few people were patricians • Citizens • Plebeians – most people • Wealthy non-aristocratic townspeople and landowners • Farmers, merchants, traders, artisans • They were citizens • They had little influence • Slaves – NOT based on race! NOT citizens!

  3. The Roman Republic • Roman government was under patrician control • Legislative Branch • Assembly of Centuries • The Senate (300 powerful patricians who served for life) • Executive Branch • Headed by two patrician officials (consuls) elected for 1 year terms • They oversaw other executive positions: praetors, judges, censors • Dictator – only one who could overrule the counsels • Only used in times of extreme crisis – feared by the Romans

  4. Rise of the Plebs • Plebs were not happy having no power • 494 BCE they refused to fight in the Roman army unless changes were made • The Assembly of the Tribes was created • POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!

  5. The Twelve Tables • Most significant plebeian victory • Creation of a written law code • Ensured that laws were applied fairly to both the patricians and plebeians • 451 BCE – patricians engraved the laws on twelve bronze tablets • These became the basis for all future Roman law

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