The Society and Culture of Ancient Rome Ancient Rome, rising from a small city-state to the expansive Roman Empire, left an indelible mark on Western civilization. The society and culture of this grand civilization was a complex tapestry intricately woven with various traditions, beliefs, and innovations that to this day resonate in modern societies. Social Stratification Roman society was distinctly hierarchical, with defined classes that dictated one’s role and status. At the apex were the Patricians, the elite class comprising wealthy landowners who held political power and influence. Below them were the Plebeians, the commoners including farmers, artisans, and merchants who, despite being free citizens, had limited political rights initially, but over time secured important legal and political victories such as the enactment of the Twelve Tables in the mid-5th century BCE. Roman society also had a significant population of slaves, who were considered property under Roman law and were used for various purposes including household chores, labor-intensive work, and even skilled professions. Despite their generally harsh conditions, some slaves could attain freedom and, in rare instances, climb the social ladder. Governance and Politics Rome’s political structure underwent significant evolution, transitioning from a Kingdom to a Republic, and finally to an Empire. During the Republican era, governance was characterized by a complex system of checks and balances implemented through various magistrates, the Senate, and popular assemblies. The Senate, comprised mostly of Patricians, exercised significant control over foreign and financial policies. The transformative Augustan Principate heralded the onset of the Roman Empire, diminishing the powers of Republican institutions in favor of Imperial autocracy. Augustus established a new political order that retained republican elements—a facade that masked the fundamental shift towards monarchical rule.