The Plebeian-Patrician struggle of ancient Rome was a watershed in the city's political history. The Patrician aristocracy had held its hold on power for centuries, dominating the Senate, magistracies, and religious offices, while the commoners of Rome, the Plebeians, were confined to minimal influence despite their role in the economy and the Republic's army. Increasing inequality resulted in increasing tensions and reached a breaking point in a seminal moment in 493 BCE: the first Secession of the Plebs.

 

Burdened by debt, oppression, and lack of political voice, the Plebeians took a radical step and withdrew from Rome and refused to serve in its army. The act forced the Patricians into agreeing to the creation of the Tribune of the Plebs, an office that was established to protect Plebeian rights and veto unfair legislation. Though this was a triumph, the fight for equality was far from being won since the coexistence of these two classes continued to be unstable.

 

We are here in this committee at the juncture of this strife. Will the Plebeians at last have political voice, or will the Patricians retain their grip on power? Will Rome accept change, or will conflict herald the fall of the Republic? The future is in the balance, and what is resolved here will determine the fate of Rome itself!