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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