In ancient Rome, society was structured into three primary social classes: the Patricians, the Plebeians, and the Slaves.
The Patricians were the aristocratic class, made up of wealthy landowners and noble families. They held most of the political power and were seen as the elite of society. Their influence stemmed from their lineage, as they claimed descent from the founders of Rome.
The Plebeians were the commoners. This group included farmers, laborers, and merchants. Initially, they had limited rights compared to the Patricians, but over time they fought for and gained more political representation and rights, particularly after the Conflict of the Orders, which was a power struggle between the two classes.
Lastly, there were the Slaves, who had no rights whatsoever. Slavery in ancient Rome was not based solely on race; people could become slaves through warfare, debt, or being born into slavery. Slaves worked in various capacities, from household servants to laborers in the fields and mines.
This social structure significantly influenced Roman politics, culture, and everyday life, shaping the development of Roman civilization.