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

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Evie (Yr 12)

9/25/2025

Classical Civilisation

Background to the Late Republic - Classical Civilisations

347

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Sep 25, 2025

•

6 pages

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

user profile picture

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!

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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:

  1. Patricians: Wealthy landowners descended from the original 20 senators, who initially held exclusive political power.

  2. 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.

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

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:

  1. Quaestor: Responsible for financial matters
  2. Tribune: Protected the rights of the people through veto power
  3. Aedile (Curule and Plebeian): Managed markets and temples
  4. Praetor: Handled administration and international relations
  5. Consul: Served as head of state
  6. 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.

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

Elections and Assemblies

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

  1. Centuriate Assembly: 193 voting blocks, passed laws and elected higher magistrates
  2. Tribal Assembly: 35 blocks, elected lesser magistrates and acted as a court of appeal
  3. 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.

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

Role and Importance of Patronage and Amicitia

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

  1. Patronage: A relationship between a wealthy patron and a poorer client, exchanging resources for support.
  2. 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 Republic Roman Social Herarchy Patricians Patricians are wealthy landowners who are descendants of the original 20 senator

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.

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


We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the 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.

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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

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

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

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

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 app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

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

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

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

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

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 app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

 

Classical Civilisation

•

347

•

Sep 25, 2025

•

6 pages

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

user profile picture

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!

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

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:

  1. Patricians: Wealthy landowners descended from the original 20 senators, who initially held exclusive political power.

  2. 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.

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

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:

  1. Quaestor: Responsible for financial matters
  2. Tribune: Protected the rights of the people through veto power
  3. Aedile (Curule and Plebeian): Managed markets and temples
  4. Praetor: Handled administration and international relations
  5. Consul: Served as head of state
  6. 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.

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

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:

  1. Centuriate Assembly: 193 voting blocks, passed laws and elected higher magistrates
  2. Tribal Assembly: 35 blocks, elected lesser magistrates and acted as a court of appeal
  3. 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.

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

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:

  1. Patronage: A relationship between a wealthy patron and a poorer client, exchanging resources for support.
  2. 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 Republic Roman Social Herarchy Patricians Patricians are wealthy landowners who are descendants of the original 20 senator

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.

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

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?

Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the 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.

22

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

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

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

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

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

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 app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user

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

I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️

Thomas R

iOS user

Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades

Brad T

Android user

Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍

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

I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend

Aubrey

iOS user

Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀

Marco B

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 app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!

Paul T

iOS user