WHI: SOL 6c Social and Political Systems of Roman Republic

Rome began in 509 b.c.e, by 270 b.c.e, they controlled the entire Italian Peninsula

Social structure in the Roman Republic Patricians: Powerful nobility (few in number) – Landowners – Upper class Plebeians: Majority of population – Farmers, merchants, artisans – Lower Class Slaves: Not based on race – Prisoners of War

Role of Women Larger social role than in Greece Could inherit property, run businesses Later, women had greater freedom and influence – Attended public entertainment (theatre, dining out, public baths) with their husband

Education All boys and girls (except slaves) were taught to read and write Many patricians hired Greeks to privately tutor their children

Citizenship Patrician and plebeian men Selected foreigners Rights and responsibilities of citizenship (e.g., taxes, military service) While the Roman Republic was a representative democracy, women, non- Romans living in the Republic, and slaves were excluded from the governing process