In Roman society, the most important division was between pa…
In Roman society, the most important division was between patricians, a small wealthy social class who held political power, and plebeians, the majority of Roman people. Originally, all public offices were only open to patricians and the different social classes could not intermarry. Tensions between the two classes grew, especially since the poorer residents of the city provided the bulk of the army. Why should they fight in a war if all of the profits go to the wealthy? Finally, in 494 BCE the plebeians went on strike, refusing to work or serve in the military. The strike worked, and the plebeians gained the right to elect their own officials, known as Tribunes and hold jobs in the government. Most adult, free-born men within the city limits held Roman citizenship. Citizenship gave political and legal rights to free individuals. Free-born women in ancient Rome were considered citizens, but they could not vote or hold political office. Both spouses had to be citizens in order to marry. Children born from a legal, free union between two Roman citizens acquired citizenship at birth. Roman citizens had obligations to the state and failure to perform citizenship duties could result in the loss of privileges. For example, men who refused military service lost their right to vote. Under Roman law, enslaved workers were considered property and held no rights. However, certain laws did regulate the institution of slavery, and extended protections to workers. Slaves who had been manumitted (legally freed from slavery) became freedmen and enjoyed many of the same rights as free-born citizens. Romans regarded slavery as a circumstance of birth, misfortune, or war, rather than being determined by ethnicity or race. Because it was defined as a lack of legal rights and status, Romans did not consider slavery a permanent or inescapable position. Nonetheless, many workers labored under harsh conditions, and/or suffered inhumanely under their owners during their enslavement. Most freed slaves joined the lower plebeian classes, and worked as farmers or tradesmen, though as time progressed and their numbers increased, many were also accepted into the wealthier classes. QUESTIONS: According to the reading, what were the class divisions and gender roles in Roman society? What rights and responsibilites did Roman citizens have? What were the characteristics of the institution of slavery in early Rome?? Your answer must be in your own words- do not use direct quotes. Your answer must be a minimum of 75 words.