Knowledge of Roman Society
Roman Citizenship, Laws, Justice, and Punishment
By Anayevska Miramontes & Jocelyn Fregoso
Roman Society was extremely rigid. By the first century, however, the need for capable men to run Rome's vast empire was slowly eroding the old social barriers. The social structure of Anicent Rome was based on heredity.
What is a Roman Gladiator ?
A gladiator was an armed combatant who entertained audiences in the Roman Republic and Roman Empire in violent confrontations with other gladiators, wild animals, and condemned criminals.
Who Rules Rome ?
A Roman emperor was the man who ruled over the empire. The first Emperor ruled Rome after years of fighting between rival leaders. His name was Octavian. He took a new name, Augustus, when he became Emperor in 27 BC.
What Punishments did Rome Have ?
The rulers of Rome had many heavily punishments for those who would choose to do illegal stuff. Punishments in Rome can consist of causing your own death or having a part from your body taken away such as an arm or leg. Roman rulers believed this would help stop the people from stealing items or doing things they were not supposed to.
Roman Citizenship
By being a citizen of Rome you have to follow all the rules that apply to you. Citizenship belonged to all free, law-abiding people.
The rights of citizens were :
- Being able to vote
- Hold officials offices
- Own property and write contracts
- Go to court
- Male citizens enjoyed all of the rights
- Women had limited rights - no voting or government offices
- Slaves were property with almost no rights - small chances for freedom
- Freedmen were former slaves with limited rights