Patricians and Their Role
In ancient Rome, members of the ruling class were known as patricians and their job was to ensure the Roman system of government ran smoothly and securely. Patricians were also responsible for managing the public treasury and overseeing public works projects. As Rome transitioned from a monarchy to a republic, patricians remained in control of the government. During this period, they held important offices such as senators and magistrates. Patricians also had the exclusive right to serve in the military, and were often seen as superior to the citizens of Rome.
Right to Vote and Own Property
One of the most important jobs that patricians had was the right to vote in the Roman assemblies. It was these assemblies that declared laws and elected magistrates. Patricians also had the right to own property, which was not given to other classes. This meant they had control over a large part of the Roman economy. In addition to owning property, patricians were able to invest in profitable business ventures, such as lending money at interest.
Priesthood
One of the most influential roles that patricians had in ancient Rome was the priesthood. Only patricians were allowed to serve in the state religion, which gave them great power over public opinion. They had control over religious ceremonies and festivals, as well as over public prayer and sacrifice. The priesthood of Rome allowed patricians to shape the beliefs of the Roman people.
Handling of Debts
In addition to their other jobs, patricians were also responsible for managing public debts. They were responsible for collecting taxes, levying fines, and collecting other payments for services. As the Roman economy grew, patricians became increasingly important in managing the public finances. They had the authority to demand payment of debts and administer punishments if necessary.
Administration of Justice
In ancient Rome, patricians had the right to administer justice on their own terms, rather than through the traditional courts. This right gave them a lot of influence over the course of the law. Patricians were also the most likely to be appointed to the various roles in the courts, giving them even more authority. This meant that patricians had an important role in setting precedents and ensuring justice was served.
Military Command
Patricians also had the exclusive right to serve in the military, which was one of the most important professions in ancient Rome. As Rome expanded its territory, patricians often held the most important command positions. This allowed them to lead their troops into battle, and to defend Rome from hostile forces. Patricians also had the authority to declare a state of emergency and call up the military.
Lifestyle
The patricians had a very privileged lifestyle compared to the other classes in ancient Rome. They had access to the best education, lands, and other commodities. They wore expensive clothing, ate the finest foods, and lived in grand houses. Patricians also had the right to own slaves, which was a common practice in ancient Rome.
Limitations of Patricians
The patricians’ great power and privilege was not without limitation. They were prohibited from performing manual labor and from joining certain trades. These prohibitions meant that, while they were able to access the highest levels of society, they had to rely on others to carry out the work of the state. This had the effect of keeping the lower classes dependent and made it more difficult for the Roman workers to challenge patrician authority.
Political Power and Influence
The power and influence of patricians was also reflected in the political system. The Patrician order often had the support of the Senate, allowing them to pass laws with little opposition. This enabled them to shape the government according to their wishes, and to make sure their interests were prioritized over those of the other classes.
Decline of Patrician Influence
The power and influence of patricians was eventually challenged by the rising middle class and by the plebeians. As Rome became more republican, the patrician order was weakened. It eventually became merely a social class, and soon lost most of its political power. Despite this, patricians continued to play an important role in the Roman society as professional counselors, landowners, and bankers.
Patricians and Wealth
Patricians were also among the wealthiest citizens of ancient Rome. This wealth was reflected in their lifestyle, their houses, and their ownership of slaves. Patricians had access to the best education, lands, and other commodities, and their status meant they could invest in profitable business ventures with few restrictions. This enabled them to amass wealth over time, giving them even greater influence in Roman politics.
Patricians and Religion
Patricians had an important role to play in the Roman state religion. As the priesthood was open only to them, patricians had control over religious ceremonies and festivals. Patricians were also responsible for public prayer and sacrifice, and their position of privilege gave them the ability to shape the beliefs of the Roman people. This made them a key part of the religious life of Rome.
Patricians and Law
Patricians were also influential in the legal system of ancient Rome. They had the right to administer justice on their own terms, rather than through the traditional courts. This gave them a lot of influence over the course of the law, and they were the most likely to be appointed to the various roles in the court. This made it possible for patricians to set precedents and ensure justice was served according to their wishes.
Patricians and Education
In addition to their political and legal rights, patricians also had access to the best education in ancient Rome. They were able to attend exclusive schools and universities, giving them the opportunity to hone their oratorical and legal skills. This made them even more powerful in politics and courts. Patricians were also able to use their educational advantages to further their influence in the business world.
