Conflict of Orders

Quick Facts: Who was Conflict of Orders?

Subject:

Conflict of Orders

Known for:

A class struggle in the Roman Republic for political equality between plebeians and patricians.

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Origins & Early Life

The Conflict of the Orders, also called Struggle of the Orders, was a class war between the plebeians (commoners) and patricians (aristocrats) of the ancient Roman Republic lasting from 500 BC to 287 BC in which the plebeians sought political equality with the patricians. It played a major role in the development of the Constitution of the Roman Republic. Shortly after the founding of the Republic, this conflict led to a secession from Rome by the Plebeians to the Sacred Mount at a time of war. The result of this first secession was the creation of the office of plebeian tribune, and with it the first acquisition of real power by the plebeians. At first, only patricians were allowed to stand for election to political office, but over time these laws were revoked, and eventually all offices were opened to the plebeians.

Career & Major Achievements

Since most individuals who were elected to political office were given membership in the Roman Senate, this development helped to transform the Senate from a body of patricians into a body of both patrician and plebeian aristocrats. This development occurred at the same time that the plebeian legislative assembly, the Plebeian council, was acquiring additional power. At first, its acts ("plebiscites") applied only to plebeians, although after 339 BC, with the institution of laws by the second plebeian dictator Quintus Publilius Philo, these acts began to apply to both plebeians and patricians. The most fundamental change, however, was the granting of tribunicia potestas (tribunician power) in which tribunes of the plebs could veto unfavorable legislation. The Conflict of the Orders began less than 20 years after the Republic was founded.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Under the existing system, the poorer plebeians made up the bulk of the Roman army. During their military service, the farms on which their livelihood depended were left abandoned. Unable to earn a sufficient income, many turned to the patricians for aid, which left them open to abuse and even enslavement. As the patricians controlled Roman politics, the plebeians found no help from within the existing political system. Their solution was to go on strike.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Conflict of Orders

True or False: “The initial secession of the plebeians to the Sacred Mount in 494 BC resulted in them gaining the right to elect their own officials.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): This first secession led directly to the creation of the office of the plebeian tribune, granting the plebeians real political power.

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