Romans Roman Politics
Land is Money=Money is Power Land is the basis of wealth Agriculture is essential economic activity (80-90% of the population farms) Social status, political privilege, and fundamental values were related to land ownership Few families with large amounts of land form “Council of Elders” Elders are constituted the senatorial class
Republic is born 753-507BC seven kings ruled Rome 507BC Members of senatorial class led by Brutus “the liberator” deposed tyrant Tarquinius Superbus Res Publica “public possession”- Republic is created
Republic not a Democracy Votes not counted the same Inequalities led to conflict Struggle for political power between plebeians and patricians called Conflict of Orders
Conflict of Class Patrician
Who is Who? Patricians Landowners, very wealthy Inherited status Plebeians Farmers, artisans, merchants Citizens of Rome
Roman Senate
What is it? 300 members from upper class-Senate Later plebeians would be accepted Directed and run by Consuls (2 people) Military and Political position, limited power and limited terms
Ancient ruins of Roman Senate