Patricians are the elite of ancient Roman society. Origin, the duties of Roman patricians and the struggle with the plebeians

Ancient Roman society was characterized by duality. This is particularly noticeable in the case of the main estates: the plebeians and the patricians. If the former had practically nothing, the latter had all the rights and power.

Social Classes of Ancient Rome

Ancient Roman society was characterized by strict hierarchy. The population was divided into free-born citizens, those who did not have civil rights, and slaves.

The biggest difference was between the plebeians and the patricians. Almost the whole history of Ancient Rome is the incessant enmity between these two classes.

Who are the patricians? It is, first of all, the ruling class in Rome. But, in addition, the word has a few more meanings.

Roman patricians: the origin

An interesting translation of the word "patrician" - it means "paternal", because it comes from the Latin pater (father). This is due to the fact that the patricians lived under the laws of strict patriarchy, where inheritance goes only through the male line. In ancient Rome, the father of the family had absolute power over the household , and no one had the right to challenge his decisions. He could punish family members in any way, sell them into slavery or even kill them.

According to tradition, there were 300 patrician families in Rome. Each representative of a particular family had a generic name. The Romans, belonging to the number of representatives of the aristocracy, wore three names. The first was personal, they were used in Rome a small amount. The second is just the generic name. And the third - the so-called family. For example, Guy Julius Caesar. Julius is the family name of one of the ancient patrician clans.

Patricians are also the very first population of Rome. In ancient times, the tribes of the Latins, Etruscans and Sabins became the first full-fledged inhabitants of this city. Over time, they became a privileged class and began to be called patricians. This word has become synonymous with "aristocracy. Patricians were the largest landowners in the country.

Functions and responsibilities of the privileged class

Patricians are not only the ruling class, but also the highest officials of Ancient Rome. Initially, only they could be elected to the Senate and serve as priests. Conducting religious rites and ceremonies was also the exclusive right of the patricians. From their number were elected military leaders and judges. Much later, when the number of patrician clans declined significantly, the rulers of Rome had to be given the opportunity to participate in the management of the empire and representatives of the lower class.

Ancient Rome: patricians and plebeians. The longstanding opposition

Almost the entire history of the great empire is internal contradictions connected with the struggle of its two main classes. The plebeians, who represented the common people, constantly sought to improve their plight. Since they were the main part of the Roman army, they had something to blackmail the aristocracy. Several times they refused to participate in battles if their terms were not accepted. The Patricians could not change it or somehow affect the plebeians, and they had to make concessions. Gradually the plebeians succeeded in obtaining the right to elect their own officials, who watched that their few rights were not infringed upon by patricians.

Gradually, the representatives of the ancient Roman births became less and less. At first, their number was reduced to 18, then to 14 families. This contributed to the long wars of Rome, which killed the patricians and strict ban on marriages not with representatives of the clans - the founders of Rome. In the end, by the first years of our era, the ancient patrician families disappeared. If earlier to become a patrician it was possible only by birth's right, then now the title of patrician could be given to an eminent person by the emperor.