{"id":9084,"date":"2023-12-04T15:55:14","date_gmt":"2023-12-04T14:55:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9084"},"modified":"2023-12-04T15:55:15","modified_gmt":"2023-12-04T14:55:15","slug":"who-were-the-common-people-of-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/who-were-the-common-people-of-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"Who Were The Common People Of Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
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A Look at the Common People of Ancient Rome<\/h2>\n

The common people of ancient Rome, known as the plebs, were at the bottom of the social ladder in Rome. Much of the history of the plebs is lost, but some indisputable facts remain. Through research, experts have pieced together glimpses into the lives of these forgotten people.<\/p>\n

To the ancient Romans, the plebs were of less importance than the wealthy patrician class. According to Roman tradition, the plebs were born free, although they were likely to be workers and manual laborers due to the lack of education or training they were allowed to receive. The plebs could not attend school, practice law, or enter into politics.<\/p>\n

However, the plebs were responsible for Rome’s economy and labor force. They worked as farmers and merchants, laborers and artisans. Many of them worked in what was known as the “subsistence sector”—the production of essential goods to meet basic needs. They also provided manual labor for the building of roads, temples, and other public works projects. This labor was often unpaid.<\/p>\n

The plebs had limited rights, although they were granted some protections and privileges. They had the right to freedom of speech, the ability to choose their own marriage partners, and the right to own property. Furthermore, they were given a say in many matters, such as the nomination of consuls. Some plebs even served in military campaigns and participated in public religious ceremonies.<\/p>\n