Tribune of the people - this is ... History of Ancient Rome

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social struggle has always been interesting to the researchers, and the history of Ancient Rome became the center of research scientists during the Renaissance.Proceedings have accumulated since the cover virtually all aspects of political, cultural and economic development of the king, the republican and imperial periods.As a result of the class struggle between the plebeians and powerless omnipotent patricians, a new position designed to protect the lower strata of the population.

origin of the Institute of People's tribunes

tribune of the people - this is an elective office, whose main goal was to ensure legal protection of the common people from the arbitrariness of the authorities.

plebeians - virtually disenfranchised population group, which was formed as a result of social struggle.They had the right to a small plot of land.But it sought to rely on the plebeian Roman imperial power, they wanted to do the main force of the army.The first mixture of higher and lower strata of the population occurred during the reign of Servius Tullius.He reformed the administrative system - the place of ancestral tribes came territorial.The male population was divided into six digits, regardless of origin.The eligibility period of royal authority was virtually eliminated, but with the establishment of the republic began to gather people's congresses.Comitia of the centuries have replaced the king and had similar powers.Patricia monopolize power in the Senate.At the same time exacerbated the struggle for the rights of the plebeians - they wanted to get equal rights with the patricians opportunities in public life, sought to limit the percentage of the debt.In 494 BC.e.- To protest the Senate - the plebs going on the Holy Mount.It was the first secession.The Senate has made concessions and allowed to organize and introduce the post of magistrate defenders of people's rights.

What does the word "tribune of the people"?It derived from the concept of "tribe" - the community in Rome.So call the representatives of the common people, its advocates, elected each year.

fight for the rights of

plebeians were able to provide armed resistance, because by the time many were serving in the army and had some skills.Tribune of the people - this is the position that has arisen as a result of a campaign against the patricians.The latter were frightened and concessions.But not all were happy to formation of a new post.The fierce struggle waged Marcius Coriolanus - he launched a large-scale war.The battle was stopped at the request of the patricians, who wanted to make peace.Then it became understood what the word "tribune of the people" actually - not just elective office, as a result of the struggle and aspirations of all of the subject peoples of Rome.Social struggle has shown the consistency of a new position and her power.

powers and duties

main task was to protect the rights of ordinary people - the plebs.Tribune could influence the decision of a magistrate, the Senate.Not only they have the power of the censors and the dictators.Rights expressed in the possibility of veto, fine magistrates, ordinary citizens for various violations.Over time, they have received and legislative rights.

doors of his house were to be open to people of ever - tribune of the people, a holy person in Rome, was obliged at any time to provide support and protection to those who needed it.You could say that he was tied to Rome - it was impossible to leave the city for more than a day.

This position was the center of the development of democratic ideas and aspirations.But they had to work smoothly, otherwise the confrontation caused stagnation and the inability to take a unified decision.At various times, the powers and rights are different and gradually disappeared during the Empire.

development of new post

With the approval from the tribune of the plebeians enemies have not diminished.Most large-scale fighting with them led patritsialny race Apiev Claudian.Chronology of events republican period studied in school, theme - "Ancient Rome" (Class 5).

Over time the tribunes were more - the number has risen to 10. During the reign of decemvir post was temporarily abolished.The reactivation of the tribunes associated with the adoption of laws «XII tables."They have changed a lot: the rights, powers, composition tribes.

According to the laws Valeria and Horace had a nationwide plebiscite force.Tribune of the people in Rome gradually gained legislative powers.Soon he was allowed unequal marriage plebeians and patricians.By the IV century BC.e.comitia tribunes began legislature.At this time, a great victory has been achieved - getting a piece of land from the "general field" conquered lands, debt became less onerous.The plebeians were able to qualify for the post of consul - became the first Licinius stolons.For the IV century BC.e.tribune of the people - is inviolable public person with the right of legislative initiative.

time great laws

Gaius and Tiberius Gracchus - people tribunes, who managed to take the most momentous laws related to the agricultural situation in the country.A special commission has been established to work on the bill.The essence of the proposal - the nationalization of the land, due to which many centuries grew rich know and send them to the people.The National Assembly passed a law, but the patricians began to put up armed resistance.Tiberius was killed, but his activities continued Guy.

He was also elected tribune of the people, however, held a different policy.His laws are more flexible with respect to all layers.Judicial reform ennobled riders virtually equating their influence to greatness senators.Guy put a lot of effort to the creation of overseas colonies.His main goal was Carthage.

Active Guy scared patricians.Senate Gracchus gave preference to the enemy, as a result of the reformer was also killed - in his own order inflicted a mortal wound servant podium.This decision was taken because of the death of Guy's supporters in the armed fight with the Senate.The reforms Gracchus brothers were defeated.

years of decline

Senate gradually limited the rights of the tribunes.In the short term, due to the confrontation Optimates and popular, their influence and prestige have increased again.But the unresolved land problem has struck most popular tribune.Trying to Libya Druse realize their agrarian bill ended fatally - he was killed.

weaken the tribunes and the dictator Cornelius Sulla.According to law, the Senate was supposed to confirm the legislative initiatives.A tribune could not lay claim to the post above.In times of consuls Crassus and Pompey temporarily all privileges were returned.

City lost its former significance after the coming to power of Julius Caesar - he declared himself a tribune of the people forever.All the emperors did the same.Finally, the position has disappeared in the III century BC.e.Tribune of the people - it was a relic of the republican period of Rome.