Roman Republic
What was the relationship between Plebeians and Patricians like?
The Plebeians and Patricians were the two social classes in Rome. However, the Patricians were considered higher up and had more social status. Patricians were made up of wealthy land owners. The Plebeians were normal people. Mostly shopkeepers and artisans. Within the Roman Republic, the Plebeians had little power and were very upset about it. They fought for power and in 494BCE they went on strike, so they wouldn't serve in the army. These actions worried the Patricians and convinced them to give up a portion of power. In 471BCE the Plebeians set up a body of representatives called the council of the Plebs and was known as an assembly. They elected tribunes who brought issues to the higher government. One of the last big advancements in Plebeian history was in 455BCE when Plebeians and Patricians were finally allowed to marry.
What was Carthage?
Carthage was a well known enemy of Rome. This state was located in the coast of North Africa and was founded in 800BCE by the Phoenicians. They ruled a certain trade empire that extended from parts of Northern Africa and Southern Europe. Because they controlled the movement of goods in this region, they quickly became the wealthiest city in the Western Mediterranean..