234 - 149 BCE- Cato the Elder was a Roman praetor, and consul who became a censor, or census taker, in 184 BCE. Cato was against the Roman movement to incorporate Greek culture and education. Cato famously claimed that it was cheaper to work slaves to death, rather than treat them …

451 BCE- Plebian pressure to codify Roman law lead to a commission which created a set of twelve laws known as the "Twelve Tables." The "Twelve Tables" restricted the influence of upper-classes and helped minimize arbitrary authority and tyranny. The Twelve Tables cover many aspects of Roman society including family …

The plebians were the large body of the lower classes in Rome. The plebians were independent, and generally did not have large landholdings. Although, the plebians did not hold the same right to govern as the patricians did initially. The efforts of some of the wealthier plebians, eventually allowed the …

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The patricians were the Roman aristocratic class who's heritage could be traced back to the Senators appointed during the Roman period of monarchic rule. The patricians were the upper-class aristocratic citizens of Rome who had significant power and influence in government. The patricians were wealthy and generally held large portions …

The paterfamilias was the male leader and figurehead of the Italian family unit. The paterfamilias was thought to have absolute power over the family and was even considered to have the right to execute his children, though this rarely occurred. The paterfamilias passed from father to sons, upon death, and …