SOURCE2 The structure of the Roman class system
A former consul could become a dictator (in emergencies) for six months. Could become a censor (for 18 months). Censors conducted
Gave advice
Consuls (2) Managed army and affairs of government. Could veto each other.
Senate (300) Comprised current and past magistrates who served for life. Managed foreign policy and controlled the money. Proposed but could not pass law. Advised magistrate.
a census (head count) of Rome every fi ve years.
Praetors (8) Judges who administered Roman law
Could become governors of provinces.
Senator (also a patrician)
Aediles (16) Looked after particular matters of government such as public buildings, food supply and games.
Plebeian
Plebeian
Patricians
Quaestors (20) Managed fi nancial and administrative matters.
Tribunes (10) Representatives of the plebeians Could call meetings of the senate.
Ordinary people Townsfolk, farmers, soldiers
Slaves No rights. Regarded as possessions.
Worked on farms, in mines, as gladiators and as prostitutes.
SkillBuilder discussion Historical signiýcance 1. Study SOURCE2 . Identify the main classes in the Roman system. 2. How did class affect a person’s rights and privileges? 3. What roles did the upper and lower classes play in society?
SOURCE3 Romans from the ýrst century CE, depicted on an altar held in the National Museum of Rome
146 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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