Roman Republic's Social Structure

Western Civilization 101

Part 1: Roman Republic

Roman Republic’s social structure was entirely based on wealth, freedom, property and heredity. Just like any other ancient society in the world history, the Roman Republic was also entirely controlled by men who were at the top of the social hierarchy. More so, the slaves were at the bottom of the social hierarchy while the women and the common people, referred to as the plebeians, followed closely. Going upwards, the wealth citizens followed the women and they were characteristic of using their wealth to acquire power. The top most class of people on the social hierarchy were the class of rulers who governed the republic and ensured adherence to the law was strictly followed. The class of rulers

In the empire, a system of patronage was developed where the upper class citizens referred to as the patroni had power over the plebeians by offering money and protection to them. During this era, the class separation was strict and laws were enforced to ensure that the two remained separate. This ensured that citizens of different classes were required to dress differently for easier recognition. However, in this era the laws in regards of fluidity became more flexible and some members of the lower classes were even promoted to administrative

The Gracchi were officials in the Roman administration known as tribunes. The two brothers introduced the populist government changes and numerous land reforms and are referred to as the fathers of populism and socialism.

Julius Caesar – Julius Caesar lived between 100-44 BCE and was a ruler in the Roman Republic. He is considered one of the greatest army generals in the world’s history owing to his conquests across Europe. Caesar is also credited for the precedence of the formation of the Roman Empire and he was killed by his rivals at the senatorial room.

Justinian - Flavius Justinian was a Roman Empire Emperor who lived between 482-565 BCE. Justinian had the ability to select the best army generals and his rule is said to have restored the Roman Empire to its initial glory. It was during his rule that paganism finally lost its struggle to survive and with its loss, Christianity gained popularity from the east to the west of the empire.

Clovis – Clovis was a Frankish king that lived in Paris, France between 466-511 BCE. He ruled between the years 481-511 BCE when he finally died. After his death, his dynasty survived for the next 200 years. Even though Clovis was not the first Frankish king, he is known to have been the founder of the Frankish religious and political