{"id":9826,"date":"2023-12-03T01:06:18","date_gmt":"2023-12-03T00:06:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=9826"},"modified":"2023-12-03T01:06:18","modified_gmt":"2023-12-03T00:06:18","slug":"what-were-the-wealthy-aristrocrats-of-ancient-rome-called","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/what-were-the-wealthy-aristrocrats-of-ancient-rome-called\/","title":{"rendered":"What Were The Wealthy Aristrocrats Of Ancient Rome Called"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The wealthy aristocrats of Ancient Rome were known as Patricians. Patricians were members of the upper echelons of Roman society and held influence over the lower classes. Patricians were typically the sons of former Roman politicians or soldiers, and had inherited their wealth and prestige. They accrued even further wealth through businesses and land ownership. Patricians benefited from many privileges and access to innumerable resources, leading to a significant disparity between the elite and the plebeian class. The Roman Senate was dominated by the Patricians, giving them an unparalleled amount of political power.<\/p>\n

Roman historian Livy described the luxury of the Patricians, noting the acquisition of magnificent homes and opulent furnishings, the patronage of clever slaves, and the indulgence in gaming. This extravagance further exacerbated the divide between them and the lower classes, and was a source of resentment and envy among the plebeians. Throughout Roman history, the Patricians sought to protect their wealth and status against any kind of reform or redistribution of wealth. This ended in the Chaos of the Late Roman Republic, when rich and poor alike were required to pay oppressive taxes to the ruling elites.<\/p>\n

At the same time, the wealth and power of the Patricians was also an important source of stability and progress in Ancient Rome. Patricians provided crucial resources to support the Roman military, and their economic prowess was highly valued. Patricians were also expected to uphold a certain moral code and to support charitable causes. This is why many Patricians were appointed to positions of power within the Roman government.<\/p>\n

The wealthy Patricians of Ancient Rome eventually lost a significant amount of their power and influence. As the Roman Empire began to decline, politics shifted in favor of the plebeians and wealthy Patricians were replaced by the lower classes. This shift in power weakened the economic and political power of the Patricians, leading to a decline in their wealth and status.<\/p>\n

The Role of Women<\/h2>\n