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