Ancient Roman Society

1. Ancient Roman Society Four Distinct Categories: Patricians – Upper Class Plebeians – Lower Class Freedmen (Libertini) – Ex-slaves Slaves

2. Patricians Upper class Roman citizens Distinguished family background Possessed great wealth

3. Plebeians • Naturally, there were far more Plebeians than Patricians • Initially, Plebeians did not have the right to seek political office • A few Plebeians did manage to accumulate great wealth • Ex-slaves were considered Plebeians

4. Slaves • Usually prisoners of war • No rights/privileges • Could be of any nationality/race • Slavery was also used as a form of debt payment • Many slaves were able to earn their freedom • Once freed, slaves became known as freedmen and freedwomen

5. Later Social Classes • Nobles and Commoners • Senators • Equestrians – businessmen and cavalrymen

6. Names • There was a limited number of Roman names • Quintus, Marcus, Publius, and Caius were very common Roman male names • Women were usually given the feminine form of their father’s name • E.g. – Julius/Julia; Claudius/Claudia; Horatius/Horatia

7. Patrons and Clients Where is your Entourage? • Most Roman citizens served as a client or supporter of a patron • Some patrons collected more than a hundred supporters on whom they depended for loyalty and service • Clients usually accompanied their patron on any political or legal business where an impressive and large crowd of supporters might be beneficial • A patron was expected, in return, to assist his clients in time of need and to provide them with food, money, or legal assistance