Exploring Roman Social Classes: Patricians, Plebeians, and More!

Evie (Yr 12)

25/09/2025

Classical Civilisation

Background to the Late Republic - Classical Civilisations

347

•

25 Sept 2025

•

6 pages

Exploring Roman Social Classes: Patricians, Plebeians, and More!

Name: Knowunity
Brand: Knowunity

Evie (Yr 12)

@ev1e.d

Discover the cool world of ancient Rome! Learn about Roman social hierarchy with Patricians and Plebeians. Find out what the 5 levels of social class were, and explore the Roman Social Structure pyramid. Understand Roman social classes and what made them tick. Dive into the Cursus Honorum and see its roles, order, and diagram. Uncover how Roman government worked, with its 3 branches and ancient voting systems like the Centuriate Assembly. Let's find out who could vote in ancient Rome and meet the executives empowered to carry out laws. Join us on this ancient adventure!

1 / 6

Background
to the
Republic Roman Social Herarchy
Patricians
Patricians are wealthy landowners who are descendants of the original 20
senator

Roman Social Hierarchy

The Ancient Rome Social Structure pyramid consisted of several distinct classes:

Patricians: Wealthy landowners descended from the original 20 senators, who initially held exclusive political power.
Plebeians: Everyone who was not a patrician, further divided into sub-classes:
- Nobiles: Those whose family members had reached consulship
- Equites: Rich plebeians who often served in the Senate
- Novus Homos: Plebeians who were the first in their family to become consuls
- Freedmen: Ex-slaves with limited rights
- Slaves: The lowest class, working for wealthy landowners

Vocabulary: Novus Homo - Latin for "new man," referring to a plebeian who was the first in his family to become a consul.

Example: Famous Novus Homos included Cicero, Agrippa, and Gaius Marius.

This hierarchy demonstrates the 5 levels of social class in Ancient Rome, showcasing the complexity of Roman society.

Cursus Honorum

The Cursus Honorum was the sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in the Roman Republic. This structured career path included:

Quaestor: Responsible for financial matters
Tribune: Protected the rights of the people through veto power
Aedile (Curule and Plebeian): Managed markets and temples
Praetor: Handled administration and international relations
Consul: Served as head of state
Censor: Led the census every three years

Additional roles included Propraetor, Proconsul, and Dictator.

Definition: Cursus Honorum literally means "course of honors" in Latin, referring to the sequence of public offices in ancient Roman politics.

Highlight: The Cursus Honorum provided a structured path for political advancement in the Roman Republic, ensuring experience and competence in leadership roles.

Elections and Assemblies

Elections in the Roman Republic were held annually in summer. Various assemblies played crucial roles in the Ancient Rome voting system:

Centuriate Assembly: 193 voting blocks, passed laws and elected higher magistrates
Tribal Assembly: 35 blocks, elected lesser magistrates and acted as a court of appeal
Plebeian Assembly: 35 blocks, voted on legal matters affecting plebeians

The Roman Senate, composed of 300 lifetime members, advised consuls, debated policy, and made important decisions.

Vocabulary: Imperium - State-sanctioned coercive power given to certain officials.

Definition: Dictatorship in ancient Rome was an office of extraordinary power reserved for emergencies, granting total military, executive, and judicial authority.

Role and Importance of Patronage and Amicitia

Patronage and Amicitia were crucial social systems in the Roman Republic:

Patronage: A relationship between a wealthy patron and a poorer client, exchanging resources for support.
Amicitia: A system of familial alliances created to further the influence of both families within Rome.

Example: Patronage allowed Novus Homos like Cicero to enter politics by gaining support from influential patrons.

Highlight: These social systems played a vital role in shaping political careers and maintaining power structures in ancient Roman society.

Background to the Roman Republic

The Roman Republic had a sophisticated social and political structure that evolved over time. This system laid the foundation for one of the most influential civilizations in history.

Highlight: The Roman Republic's social and political structures were complex and highly influential, shaping Western civilization for centuries to come.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Classical Civilisation

•

347

•

25 Sept 2025

•

6 pages

Exploring Roman Social Classes: Patricians, Plebeians, and More!

Evie (Yr 12)

@ev1e.d

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Roman Social Hierarchy

The Ancient Rome Social Structure pyramid consisted of several distinct classes:

Patricians: Wealthy landowners descended from the original 20 senators, who initially held exclusive political power.
Plebeians: Everyone who was not a patrician, further divided into sub-classes:
- Nobiles: Those whose family members had reached consulship
- Equites: Rich plebeians who often served in the Senate
- Novus Homos: Plebeians who were the first in their family to become consuls
- Freedmen: Ex-slaves with limited rights
- Slaves: The lowest class, working for wealthy landowners

Vocabulary: Novus Homo - Latin for "new man," referring to a plebeian who was the first in his family to become a consul.

Example: Famous Novus Homos included Cicero, Agrippa, and Gaius Marius.

This hierarchy demonstrates the 5 levels of social class in Ancient Rome, showcasing the complexity of Roman society.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Cursus Honorum

The Cursus Honorum was the sequential order of public offices held by aspiring politicians in the Roman Republic. This structured career path included:

Quaestor: Responsible for financial matters
Tribune: Protected the rights of the people through veto power
Aedile (Curule and Plebeian): Managed markets and temples
Praetor: Handled administration and international relations
Consul: Served as head of state
Censor: Led the census every three years

Additional roles included Propraetor, Proconsul, and Dictator.

Definition: Cursus Honorum literally means "course of honors" in Latin, referring to the sequence of public offices in ancient Roman politics.

Highlight: The Cursus Honorum provided a structured path for political advancement in the Roman Republic, ensuring experience and competence in leadership roles.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Elections and Assemblies

Elections in the Roman Republic were held annually in summer. Various assemblies played crucial roles in the Ancient Rome voting system:

Centuriate Assembly: 193 voting blocks, passed laws and elected higher magistrates
Tribal Assembly: 35 blocks, elected lesser magistrates and acted as a court of appeal
Plebeian Assembly: 35 blocks, voted on legal matters affecting plebeians

The Roman Senate, composed of 300 lifetime members, advised consuls, debated policy, and made important decisions.

Vocabulary: Imperium - State-sanctioned coercive power given to certain officials.

Definition: Dictatorship in ancient Rome was an office of extraordinary power reserved for emergencies, granting total military, executive, and judicial authority.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Role and Importance of Patronage and Amicitia

Patronage and Amicitia were crucial social systems in the Roman Republic:

Patronage: A relationship between a wealthy patron and a poorer client, exchanging resources for support.
Amicitia: A system of familial alliances created to further the influence of both families within Rome.

Example: Patronage allowed Novus Homos like Cicero to enter politics by gaining support from influential patrons.

Highlight: These social systems played a vital role in shaping political careers and maintaining power structures in ancient Roman society.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Background to the Roman Republic

The Roman Republic had a sophisticated social and political structure that evolved over time. This system laid the foundation for one of the most influential civilizations in history.

Highlight: The Roman Republic's social and political structures were complex and highly influential, shaping Western civilization for centuries to come.

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Smart Tools NEW

Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines

Mock Exam

Quiz

Flashcards

Essay

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user

Stefan S

iOS user

Samantha Klich

Android user

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Basil

Android user

David K

iOS user

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

Rohan U

Android user

Xander S

iOS user

Elisha

iOS user

Paul T

iOS user