As educators, it is important for us to teach our students about the diverse social classes that existed throughout history. One such social group that played a significant role in ancient Rome were the plebeians.
The term ‘plebeian’ refers to the lower social class in ancient Rome. During the early days of the Roman Republic, the plebeians were excluded from political power and held no significant authority. However, with persistent struggle and gaining support from patricians (the upper class), plebeians were able to form their own assembly and win political rights.
Teaching students about the plebeians exposes them to a significant historical aspect of ancient Rome. It also sets the stage for understanding the struggle for social and political equality that has persisted throughout history.
Here are some strategies that educators can use to teach students about plebeians:
1. Use Primary Sources: Using primary sources such as art, writings, and documents from that era reinforces the importance of understanding the direct experiences of those who lived in ancient Rome. Engage students in analyzing primary sources that give some perspective on the plebeians’ daily life, political struggles, and societal status.
2. Compare and Contrast: Comparing and contrasting the daily life of a plebeian and a patrician allows students to understand the social differences and the significant challenges that the plebeians faced. Understandably, these differences were stratified, and the plebeians were viewed as a subordinate class. Comparing their daily lives can definitely give learners an insight into this historical reality.
3. Map It Out: Providing context through mapping, A map can help students understand the socio-cultural and political affairs of Rome that divided plebeians from patricians in society. Creating a geographical map of ancient Rome that outlines the patrician and plebeian areas encourages learners to dive further, exploring how these areas were separated and the effects of this separation on plebeians.
These strategies are effective in teaching plebeians to students, but it is important to understand that the study of plebeians extends beyond simply comprehending this social group. This gives a glimpse into ancient Rome’s society’s structure, and it provides an excellent foundation for discussing modern-day social inequality. It is our responsibility as educators to teach our students about important historical material like the plebeians to ensure that the past is not forgotten, and we learn from its lessons for years to come.
