Roman Society
Before Julius Caesar took control in 48BC, the Roman Empire was not ruled by an Emperor,
but by two consuls who were elected by the citizens of Rome. Rome was then known as a
Republic.
Three classes
People were divided into different classes. There were Patricians, Plebians and Slaves.
Patricians were wealthy citizens of Rome. They usually lived in
grand houses and had slaves do their work for them. The patrician
class were the descendants of the most ancient and powerful noble
families. They were landowners, and had political power in the
Senate. The patricians married and did business only with people of
their own class. Because they were citizens of Rome they were
allowed to go to the Assembly to vote.
Plebeians were mainly artisans or peasants who worked the
patricians' land. If they were lucky, plebeians could become clients
(obedient servants) of a patrician family. They offered their services
and in return received the protection of the head of the patrician
family, who became their patron. Because they were citizens of
Rome they were allowed to go to the Assembly to vote.
Slaves were generally prisoners of war. Slaves were sold at a slave-market. Once sold, they
became the property of their new owner and worked for no money. Slaves had no rights, no
freedom, and were not citizens of Rome. Women slaves would be used as hairdressers,
dressmakers, cooks and servants for rich women. Other slaves worked in workshops making
leather or silver goods or pots and pans, or worked on mines or farms. They were not citizens of
Rome, and were therefore not allowed to go to the Assembly to vote.
The Assembly
The Assembly was a gathering of Roman citizens. At these gatherings, citizens discussed new
Laws, and voted on whether or not they should become Law. Citizens also elected new Consuls,
Tribunes and Magistrates. The rich had more votes than the other citizens. Women and slaves
were not allowed in the Assembly and could not vote.
Consuls, magistrates, tribunes and senators
The citizens of Rome voted for two consuls. They were elected to serve for one year. It was the
Consuls job to govern Rome. Both had to agree on all decisions. After they had served their year,
they were not allowed to be consuls again for 10 years.
The citizens of Rome also voted for a number of magistrates. They managed Rome's financial
affairs and were also judges, responsible for law and order. When magistrates retired they
became Senators and attended the Senate.
Tribunes: The citizens of Rome voted for tribunes. It was the tribunes’ job to make sure that
ordinary people were treated fairly.
Senators went to the Senate to discuss
important government issues. Senators were
retired magistrates and knew a lot about the
government of Rome. It was the job of the
senate to give advice to the two consuls.
Sources:
 http://www.historyonthenet.com/Romans/government.htm
 http://www.schoolhistory.co.uk/year7links/romans/romanrepublic2.pdf
 http://www.historyonthenet.com/Romans/slavery.htm
True/False Quiz
1. Before Julius Caesar, Rome was a Republic. T / F
2. Patricians were poor. T / F
3. Plebians were poor. T / F
4. Only citizens of Rome were allowed to vote in the Assembly. T / F
5. Women and slaves were allowed to vote. T / F
6. The two consuls served for 10 years. T / F
7. Magistrates made sure people were treated fairly. T / F
8. Retired magistrates went to the Senate. T / F
9. The Senate gave advice to the consuls. T / F
10. Slaves were sold at the slave market. T / F
11. Slaves were the property of their owner. T / F
12. Slaves were paid a wage. T / F
True/False Quiz Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
T
F
T
T
F
F
F
T
T
T
T
F