ROMAN SOCIAL ORDER
Before 484 BCE, the social classes were divided into four parts. The Patricians were the top level in the social class, and were the ruling council (judges, senators, and consuls). The Patricians were descendants from the founding fathers (first families). After the Patricians were the Plebeians. The Plebeians were not allowed to run for office and had no power in government. Following the Plebians were the Freemen. Freemen were former slaves. Freemen can have the same jobs as Plebeians, or they could even become wealthy. Slaves were the lowest class of the Roman Social order. Slaves were treated harshly and could be sold or rented out at any time. Once the Plebeians went on strike, things changed in the Roman Social class. Plebeians could now run for council, with the power to veto. Also, the line dividing the Plebeians and Patricians became "blurred", meaning there was not a huge difference between Plebeians and Patricians.