Oppression of the Plebeians in Rome
The poorer working citizens on Rome with little political power were the plebeians. The plebeians were the lower class citizens on Rome and were made up of laborers, farmers, and small business owners. They were the majority of the population but had very little political power and influence.
The plebeians were treated poorly by the patrician class, the upper class citizens who had the political power. The patricians had the power to pass laws that favored their interests, and the laws were often unfair to the plebeians. They were not allowed to hold public office and had no say in the government. They were also heavily taxed, while the patricians were not.
The plebeians were also excluded from the Roman army and were not allowed to own land. They were not able to rise above their station and were stuck in their lower class status. The plebeians were treated as second-class citizens and were not given the same rights or privileges as the patricians.
The Vital Role of the Plebeians in Roman Society
Despite their low status and lack of political power, the plebeians were important to the Roman society. They provided the labor necessary to keep the city running, from farming to craftsmanship to trade. They were also the ones who were in charge of conscription and military service.
The plebeians were an integral part of Roman society, but they were not given the same rights or privileges as the patrician class. They were the poorer working citizens on Rome with little political power, but their hard work and dedication were essential to the success of the Roman Empire.