The plebeians were the common people of ancient Rome who were not of aristocratic or noble birth and did not have the right to vote. They were the majority of the population, making up almost all of the farmers, artisans, labourers, and merchants. In ancient Rome, the plebeians were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and often struggled to access their legal, economic and political rights. But, where did the plebeians live?
The most common type of dwelling for the plebeians was the insulae, which were apartment blocks. These buildings were built from wood, adobe, and wicker and were called “islands” due to their elevated positions, which were often surrounded by open canals or sewers. They were multi-storey structures, sometimes reaching up to 7 stories, but the majority of these cramped buildings only had two or three levels. They were not particularly stable and were prone to fire, which could ravage entire neighbourhoods. However, they were very common in Rome, especially in the poorer districts, such as the Suburra, and there were estimated to have been around 46,000 insulae building in Rome by the early 1st century AD.
Another type of dwelling was the domus, which was a common form of housing in ancient Rome. These were small apartment blocks, usually built in stone, concrete or brick, with one or two storeys. They were generally family owned and had a front door, a few small rooms and a kitchen. They were relatively small dwellings and were mostly built in the centre of Rome. Many were constructed on top of the Roman Forum and around the Colosseum and were occupied by middle-class people who were not necessarily connected to the aristocracy. They were generally occupied by merchants, artisans and other members of the working class.
Moreover, many plebeians lived in tenement houses known as tabernae. These were often one or two-stores high, slum-like dwellings that were cramped and lacking in sanitation. They were incredibly overcrowded and generally consisted of only two or three rooms, with a small kitchen. The rooms were quite small and poorly ventilated, so they were often damp and dark.
Plebeians also lived in shantytowns which were built outside the city walls in order to accommodate the swelling population that had come to the city in search of work. These were makeshift dwellings built from whatever resources were available and were generally built on marshy land. They lacked basic amenities such as running water, sanitation and heating and were generally reserved for the poorest members of the population.
The conditions in which the vast majority of plebeians lived in ancient Rome were far from ideal. Many of their homes lacked basic amenities and were prone to fire, flooding and disease. It was only in the late Republic that some of the basic rights of the plebeians were recognised, such as the right to vote in elections and the right to run for office. But, for the majority of the plebeian population, life in ancient Rome was very hard and living conditions were often squalid and inhumane.
Arrangement of Plebeian Homes
From archaeological evidence, it is clear that the plebeian homes were not designed in any orderly manner. They were generally clustered together in small, cramped areas and with little ventilation, leading to high levels of airborne diseases. There was little to no infrastructure and roads were often in various states of disrepair, making it difficult to move around within the city. This lack of organization also led to other problems such as crime and poverty, as the poor and vulnerable were easy targets for those looking to exploit them.
The plebeians often shared their living space with livestock, which increased the amount of unsanitary conditions. The overcrowded homes, combined with the lack of wastewater services, led to the spread of waterborne diseases such as dysentery, typhoid and malaria.
The plebeian homes also lacked basic elements of hygiene. The standard of sanitation was incredibly poor, leading to problems such as making it difficult to store food, a lack of access to clean water, and little to no protection from the cold, extremes of temperature and wild animals. Despite the poor living conditions, it is estimated that some of the tenement houses could hold up to 40 people. This overcrowding created a variety of issues, ranging from unhealthy living conditions to squabbles over access to resources.
Working Conditions of Plebeians
The plebeians were also heavily exploited in their working conditions, with most only able to find employment in manual labour. This meant they often worked long hours in back-breaking, hazardous conditions, often for meager pay. Many lived in such squalid conditions that they could not afford to take a single day off and could easily fall into debt, leading to a vicious cycle of poverty for many of Rome’s urban populace.
The plebeians were also heavily oppressed in terms of political power. They held no say in government and had no right to vote. This meant they were unable to challenge the decisions of the Senate and were unable to have their grievances heard. This resulted in an unequal distribution of power, with those at the top of the social hierarchy having far more control over the plebeian citizens.
Moreover, the plebeians often faced discrimination due to their criticism of the government. These feelings of discontent often led to uprisings and protests, as the plebeians sought to reclaim their political and economic rights. Unfortunately, these attempts were often heavily suppressed, with many of the protesters persecuted for their perceived disloyalty to the government.
Plebeian Resistance Against Oppression
Despite their low social status and poor working conditions, the plebeians often rose up against their oppressors. This resistance took many forms, from protests and demonstrations to violence and insurrection. The most notable example was in 494 BC, when the plebeians of Rome rose up against their patrician rulers and established their own unified government, known as the ‘Tribunes of the Plebs’.
By establishing this new political structure, the plebeians were able to gain more control over their own lives, as well as greater recognition from the ruling classes. This newfound power enabled them to pass laws that allowed them to keep more of the wealth they made and to gain more rights in the courts. It was a revolutionary development in the history of Rome, as it was the first time the plebeians had been given any control over their own destiny.
Moreover, the plebeians also rose up against their oppressive lifestyles through religious practices. The introduction of cults such as Saturnalia allowed the plebeians to escape from their everyday struggles and find some respite in the festivities. This provided an important outlet for the plebeian population and allowed them to feel some sense of inclusion in the society of ancient Rome.
Plebeian Lifestyles and Practices
Even within their harsh lifestyles, the plebeians managed to find some forms of relief. They took part in various social activities, such as gambling and theatre, which allowed them to experience some joy within their otherwise mundane lives. They also took part in various forms of entertainment, such as chariot-racing, which allowed them to let off some steam and engage in exciting events.
The plebeians were also heavily involved in religious practices and were often seen as the true custodians of the religion. They hosted many religious ceremonies and festivals, such as the Cerelia and Compitalia, which were heavily devoted to Rome’s gods and goddesses. These festivals provided an important outlet for the plebeian population and allowed them to express their devotion to the gods.
The clothing worn by the plebeians was also reflective of their social standing. They adopted practical dressing styles, such as the toga, which was the most common form of clothing among the plebeians. This was an item of clothing that was seen to denote a certain level of class, as the toga was only technically meant to be worn by citizens of Rome. This symbol of class and achievement was often adapted by the plebeian population as a sign of their faith in the city and its people.
Impact of the Plebeian Population on Ancient Rome
The plebeians were a critical part of ancient Rome, as they were the driving force behind many of its economic, political, and cultural developments. Even though they were at the bottom of the social hierarchy and often denied their basic rights, the plebeians were responsible for a vast majority of the everyday life of Rome. They were the backbone of the city and the people who kept it running.
The plebeians also influenced the language, mythology and art of Rome. Many of the stories, characters, and tales that were passed down from generation to generation were rooted in the everyday lives of the common people. They were part of the culture and folklore of Rome and helped to create a distinct identity for the city.
The plebeians also played a key role in introducing new technologies and innovations. This included things such as aqueducts and road networks, which enabled the city to expand and to transport goods more efficiently. Furthermore, Rome’s military prowess was heavily influenced by the plebeians, as most of the soldiers in its army were drawn from the plebeian population.
Conclusion of Plebeians in Ancient Rome
Regardless of their social standing and their lack of rights, the plebeians of ancient Rome had a significant impact on its culture and development. Even though they were often exploited and oppressed, they managed to rise up and reclaim their power. This newfound power enabled them to pass laws and voice their grievances, as well as asserting their right to shape their own destinies. It is clear that the plebeians were an instrumental part of the city’s history and made a lasting impression on the legacy of ancient Rome.
