The Rise of the Roman Republic The Patricians

The Rise of the Roman Republic

The Patricians • Patricians- upper class; small group of wealthy land owners • Root word- patres (father) • Chose the “fathers of the states” (men who advised Etruscan Kings) • Controlled the most valuable land • Held important military and religious offices

The Plebeians • Peasants, shopkeepers, laborers and craftsmen • Root word plebs- many • Made up 95% of Rome’s population • Had little say in government • Could not hold high offices • Had to serve in the Roman Army

Patricians vs. Plebeians What problems do you think will arise between these two social classes?

The Republic is Established • In 509 BCE the patricians over threw the Etruscan King and created a republic • To the patrician “the people” meant themselves and not the plebeians • They established the Senate (made of 300 men) that served for life – They appointed other government officials and served as judges – They advised the consuls (two elected men who shared command of the army) – Their word was treated as law

Patricians vs. Plebeians Is this new system of government better than the Etruscan monarchy?

The Plebeians Grow Angry • Patricians held all the important offices and power • Plebeians must obey • The laws were not written down leaving them open to manipulation • Plebeians forced to fight in the army against the constant wars against neighboring tribes

Patricians vs. Plebeians • Plebeians- How will you handle this situation? • Patricians- How will you keep your power?

The Conflict of the Orders (Orders= Social Classes) • The conflict grew heated at times • 494 BCE Plebeians, angry at their lack of power, marched out of the city and camped on the near by hill. • They refused to maintain the farms, carry out the labor or fight in the army • Rome was in crisis- the patricians panicked

Patricians vs. Plebeians • Plebeians- Draft a list of demands. • Patricians- What would you be willing to compromise on?

Plebeians Gain Equality • The revolts led to major changes in the Roman government • Tribunes spoke for the Plebeians to the Senate and consul – Later gained the right to veto actions by Senate • Plebeians able to elect law making body- Council of Plebs (however, these laws were only made for the plebeians) • 451 BCE- laws were written down, the Twelve Tables • 367 BCE- new law stated one of the consuls had to be a Plebeian • 287 BCE- plebeians could pass law for all Roman citizens