Year 9
Unit 3 - Roman Republic
Lesson 2 – Politics and society in the Roman Republic
Rome did not become powerful all at once. It grew very gradually in importance until it became the most important city in the Italian peninsula and the centre of one of the most powerful empires of all time. The history of Rome is sometimes divided into three general periods:
The rule of the kings 753-509 B.C.
The Roman Republic 509-31 B.C.
The Roman Empire 31 B.C – 478 A.D.
The rule of the kings 753-509 B.C.
The Roman Republic 509-31 B.C.
The Roman Empire 31 B.C – 478 A.D.
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The rule of the kings
For hundreds of years, Rome and the Latins were dominated by a people who lived both to the north and south of them. These people were known as the Etruscans and they were much more powerful than the Latins. For this reason all the kings of Rome were Etruscans. Rome became larger and much stronger under these kings; but many Latins hated having their city ruled by outsiders. The last king was a ruler called Tarquin the Proud or in Latin (and much more interestingly) Tarquinius Superbus. 
By this time the Etruscans were less powerful than they once had been and finally, in 509 BC, the Latins succeeded in driving Tarquin from their city. The people of Rome disliked Tarquin so much, that they vowed never again to have a king rule their city. They decided therefore to set up a government of the people, which they referred to as a republic.
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The Republic
The word "republic" comes from the Latin phrase res publica, which, in effect, means 'common-wealth' or matter for the people. During most of the Republican period, Rome was ruled (officially at least) by its citizens. In the beginning and as in Greece, citizenship was restricted to adult males of Roman parents. Later, citizenship was also granted to certain foreign males, such as those who had served for many years in the Roman army. Also as in Greece women and slaves were also not citizens. In theory, all citizens had equal political rights and opportunities in the Roman Republic. In reality, however, there were two very different classes of citizens: Patricians and Plebeians.
The word "republic" comes from the Latin phrase res publica, which, in effect, means 'common-wealth' or matter for the people. During most of the Republican period, Rome was ruled (officially at least) by its citizens. In the beginning and as in Greece, citizenship was restricted to adult males of Roman parents. Later, citizenship was also granted to certain foreign males, such as those who had served for many years in the Roman army. Also as in Greece women and slaves were also not citizens. In theory, all citizens had equal political rights and opportunities in the Roman Republic. In reality, however, there were two very different classes of citizens: Patricians and Plebeians.
Patricians and Plebeians.
Patricians were of noble families; many of whom were descendants of the original founders of Rome. Because they were usually extremely rich and possessed many slaves and servants, Patricians did not have to work like ordinary people. They were usually very carefully educated and well trained in philosophy and speechmaking; two skills which were very important for political success.
Plebeians were 'ordinary' citizens, who were usually descended from farmers, traders or craftspeople. They far outnumbered the Patricians; though we never enjoyed as much political power or influence as did the Patricians.
Patricians were of noble families; many of whom were descendants of the original founders of Rome. Because they were usually extremely rich and possessed many slaves and servants, Patricians did not have to work like ordinary people. They were usually very carefully educated and well trained in philosophy and speechmaking; two skills which were very important for political success.
Plebeians were 'ordinary' citizens, who were usually descended from farmers, traders or craftspeople. They far outnumbered the Patricians; though we never enjoyed as much political power or influence as did the Patricians.
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Activities
- Identify two similarities and two differences between the social and political system of the Roman Republic and that of ancient Athens. Use your previous work on Athens to help you.
- The word republic comes from the Latin res publica which means ‘a matter for the people’. What evidence is there that the republic represented all the people of Rome? What evidence is there that it did not?
- Why do think most of the magistrates and senators were members of Patrician class?
- How did the Romans make sure that no one man became too powerful? Why is it important that one man does not become too powerful?