ROMAN SOCIAL ORDER
There are some differences between these pyramids. Before 494 BC, plebeians could not lead in the army or serve in the government. They also couldn't marry patricians. They didn't have the same rights as patricians. Plebeians weren't as wealthy as the patricians, in some cases they were very poor. Finally, in 494 BC, the plebeians decided to go on strike. They boycotted Rome. For example, they refused to fight in the army. The plebeians may not seem important, but they are essential to have a thriving city. Imagine if all the garbage collectors, the people who work at stores, and other people went on strike now. It would create a lot of chaos and everything would be a mess. When the plebeians went on strike, the patricians didn't know what to do. So, they agreed to change some laws. After the strike, the plebeians had their own body of representatives, called the Council of the Plebs. This means they could serve in the government. They also had veto power, which means "I forbid," so they can reject laws. They also could marry patricians now. These are some of the things that have changed from before 494 BC to after 494 BC. |
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ROMAN SOCIAL CLASSES VISIT: