Conflict of the Orders

Conflict of the Orders

The Conflict of the Orders was a significant socio-political struggle in the early Roman Republic between the patricians and the plebeians. This conflict, which lasted from 494 BC to 287 BC, was primarily about the plebeians seeking political equality and social rights with the patricians.

Background

In the early Roman Republic, society was divided into two main classes: the patricians, who were the aristocratic families, and the plebeians, who were the commoners. The patricians held most of the political power, as they controlled the Senate and held key religious and political offices. The plebeians, on the other hand, were largely excluded from these positions and had limited rights.

Causes of the Conflict

The primary causes of the Conflict of the Orders were:

• Economic Disparities: The plebeians were often burdened with debt and had little economic security, while the patricians controlled most of the wealth.
• Political Exclusion: Plebeians were excluded from holding important political offices and had no representation in the Senate.
• Legal Inequality: The laws were not written down, and the patricians often interpreted them to their advantage.

Key Events

First Secession of the Plebs (494 BC)

The first major event in the Conflict of the Orders was the First Secession of the Plebs in 494 BC. The plebeians, frustrated with their lack of rights and economic hardships, withdrew from the city and set up camp on the Sacred Mount. This act of secession forced the patricians to negotiate, leading to the creation of the office of the Tribune of the Plebs, which gave the plebeians a voice in the government.

The Twelve Tables (451-450 BC)

One of the significant achievements of the plebeians was the establishment of the Twelve Tables in 451-450 BC. This was the first attempt to create a code of law that was publicly accessible, reducing the patricians' ability to manipulate the law.

Lex Canuleia (445 BC)

The Lex Canuleia was a law passed in 445 BC that allowed intermarriage between patricians and plebeians, which was previously forbidden. This was a significant step towards social equality.

Second Secession of the Plebs (449 BC)

The Second Secession of the Plebs occurred in 449 BC, leading to further concessions from the patricians, including the reaffirmation of the rights of the tribunes and the establishment of the Valerio-Horatian Laws.

Lex Licinia Sextia (367 BC)

The Lex Licinia Sextia was a series of laws passed in 367 BC that allowed plebeians to hold the office of consul, one of the highest political positions in Rome.

Lex Hortensia (287 BC)

The conflict effectively ended with the passage of the Lex Hortensia in 287 BC, which made resolutions passed by the Plebeian Council binding on all citizens, including patricians. This law effectively gave the plebeians equal political power.

Impact

The Conflict of the Orders had a profound impact on the Roman Republic. It led to significant political reforms that increased the rights and power of the plebeians, contributing to a more balanced and inclusive political system. The struggle also set a precedent for future social and political movements in Rome and beyond.

See Also

• Roman Republic
• Patrician (ancient Rome)
• Plebeian
• Roman Law

References

• Cornell, T. J. The Beginnings of Rome: Italy and Rome from the Bronze Age to the Punic Wars (c. 1000–264 BC). Routledge, 1995.
• Forsythe, Gary. A Critical History of Early Rome: From Prehistory to the First Punic War. University of California Press, 2005.