Conflict of Orders Project

By vincimus
  • 494 BCE

    First Secession of the Plebs

    First Secession of the Plebs
    Plebeians left Rome and moved to the Mons Sacer to protest against the patricians' complete control over the government.
  • 494 BCE

    Tribune of the Plebs is Created

    Tribune of the Plebs is Created
    The first government role given to the plebeians: they could propose and pass laws, but they only affected the plebeians.
  • 450 BCE

    Creation of the Twelve Tables

    Creation of the Twelve Tables
    Twelve basic laws that served as the foundation of Roman legislation. These laws were written in stone for all to see and know.
  • 449 BCE

    Second Secession of the Plebs

    Second Secession of the Plebs
    Plebeians left Rome and went to the Mons Sacer again to protest the corruption of the Decemviri and demand the Tribune of the Plebs be reinstated.
  • 445 BCE

    Third Secession of the Plebs

    Third Secession of the Plebs
    Plebeians seceded again to protest the illegality of marriage between plebeians and patricians. The patricians didn't want plebeian blood in their families because they were considered the lower or working class.
  • 445 BCE

    Canuleian Law is Passed

    Canuleian Law is Passed
    Plebeians became eligible to run for offices and hold government positions. Marriage between patricians and plebeians also became legal.
  • 367 BCE

    First Plebeian Consul

    First Plebeian Consul
    Lucius Sextius was elected the first ever plebeian consul, signifying how far the plebeians had come in their struggle for power.
  • 342 BCE

    One of Two Consuls is Required to Be Plebeian

    One of Two Consuls is Required to Be Plebeian
    Lex Genucia was a law created by Lucius Genucius, a Tribune of the Plebs, and it stated that one of the two consuls must always be plebeian.
  • 287 BCE

    Hortensian Law is Passed (Lex Hortensia)

    Hortensian Law is Passed (Lex Hortensia)
    Laws created by plebians were effective on all Romans, including the patricians.
  • 287 BCE

    Fifth Secession of the Plebs

    Fifth Secession of the Plebs
    Plebeians left Rome for the final time to protest against all the conquered Sabine land being given to the patricians. The plebeians went to Aventine Hill this time.