What Led To The Plebeian Revolt In Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome saw two different classes of people with the Patricians and the Plebeians. Between these two classes arose a divide between them in terms of economics and political power which led the way for Plebeian revolt. In this essay, I will discuss the differences between the two groups, what led to the revolt and the results of their secession. When Rome was first organized there were three tribes that made up the Roman community. Those tribes were the Romans (Ramnes), Sabines (Tities) and the Lucernes (who were Latins or possibly Etruscans) (Morey, 1901a). Decendents of these 3 tribes became an aristocratic class in Rome, called the Patricians. It was the Patricians who were able to take full benefit from their Roman citizenship. It was only these Patricians who could vote, be elected to the senate, or serve in the military. “patricians formed an aristocratic class, exclusive and devoted to their own interests.” (Morey, 1901b) Of course, descendants of the original tribes of Rome were not the only people to live and contribute to Roman society. These Roman subjects may have been from conquered territory or refugees who came to live in Rome and were called Plebians. While they were able to own property they were forbidden from voting, holding office or marry Patricians. As some of the Plebians became
Wisely, the Patricians recognized that this opened up a grave vulnerability in Rome’s ability to defend against its enemies and decided to make some changes. Among the changes included the forgiveness of debts, the institution of Tribunes who could act to veto any unjust decision by a magistrate upon a citizen, the permanency of the Plebeian assembly, and the creation of the Agrarian Laws of Spurius Cassius which sought to bring about a more fair distribution of the public land. (Morey,