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Plebeian Collection

In ancient Rome, the Twelve Tables were drawn up to establish laws and regulations for all citizens, including the plebeians

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Twelve Tables of Rome drawn up

Twelve Tables of Rome drawn up
The Twelve Tables, Romes first legal code, are drawn up by a commission at the request of the plebeians

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Plebians revolt, ancient Rome

Plebians revolt, ancient Rome
Revolt of the plebeians against the government of ancient Rome, 207 BC. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Curius Dentatus refusing bribes from Samnites

Curius Dentatus refusing bribes from Samnites
Manius Curius Dentatus, Roman consul and plebeian hero, though living on turnips, refuses bribes from the Samnites. He is noted for ending the Samnite War

Background imagePlebeian Collection: The entrance to the home of Sallust in Pompeii

The entrance to the home of Sallust in Pompeii
3740625 The entrance to the home of Sallust in Pompeii; (add.info.: Engraving depicting the entrance to the home of Sallust in Pompeii)

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Plebean Spirit, published July 25, 1814. Creator: Charles Williams

Plebean Spirit, published July 25, 1814. Creator: Charles Williams
Plebean Spirit, published July 25, 1814

Background imagePlebeian Collection: The Hustings. Vox Populi We ll have a Mug! A Mug! A Mug!, pub

The Hustings. Vox Populi We ll have a Mug! A Mug! A Mug!, pub
2966807 The Hustings. Vox Populi We ll have a Mug! A Mug! A Mug!, pub. 1796 (hand coloured engraving) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePlebeian Collection: The Republican Attack, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1795 (hand-coloured etching)

The Republican Attack, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1795 (hand-coloured etching)
NCO190455 The Republican Attack, published by Hannah Humphrey in 1795 (hand-coloured etching) by Gillray, James (1757-1815); Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Tribune of the People, No. 37 from Antique Rome, engraved by Labrousse

Tribune of the People, No. 37 from Antique Rome, engraved by Labrousse
STC221848 Tribune of the People, No. 37 from Antique Rome, engraved by Labrousse, published 1796 (colour litho) by Grasset de Saint-Sauveur

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Plebeen (coloured engraving)

Plebeen (coloured engraving)
6016110 Plebeen (coloured engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Plebeen. Illustration for Costume du Moyen Age, D Apres les Manuscrits, les Peintures)

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Femme Du Peuple (coloured engraving)

Femme Du Peuple (coloured engraving)
6016114 Femme Du Peuple (coloured engraving) by European School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Femme Du Peuple)

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Tib Gracchus canvassing, 1852. Artist: John Leech

Tib Gracchus canvassing, 1852. Artist: John Leech
Tib Gracchus canvassing, 1852. From The Comic History of Rome, by Gilbert A A Beckett, illustrated by John Leech. [Bradbury, Agnew & Co, London, 1852]

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Flight of Gaius Gracchus, 1852. Artist: John Leech

Flight of Gaius Gracchus, 1852. Artist: John Leech
Flight of Gaius Gracchus, 1852. From The Comic History of Rome, by Gilbert A A Beckett, illustrated by John Leech. [Bradbury, Agnew & Co, London, 1852]

Background imagePlebeian Collection: A Lictor is sent to arrest Publilius Volero, 1852. Artist: John Leech

A Lictor is sent to arrest Publilius Volero, 1852. Artist: John Leech
A Lictor is sent to arrest Publilius Volero, 1852. From The Comic History of Rome, by Gilbert A A Beckett, illustrated by John Leech. [Bradbury, Agnew & Co, London, 1852]

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Medieval miniature. Meeting of the Roman Senate. Discussion

Medieval miniature. Meeting of the Roman Senate. Discussion on marriage between a plebeian woman and a roman patrician. 15th century

Background imagePlebeian Collection: ROMAN PLEBEIANS. Lower class citizens of ancient Rome. 19th century engraving

ROMAN PLEBEIANS. Lower class citizens of ancient Rome. 19th century engraving

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Shrine of Plebeian Chastity set up by Virginia

Shrine of Plebeian Chastity set up by Virginia
A shrine of Plebeian Chastity is set up by Virginia, who had been refused access to the shrine of Patrician Chastity because she had married Volumnius, a plebeian

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Tribunes of the People created in Ancient Rome

Tribunes of the People created in Ancient Rome
Tribunes of the People (Plebeian Tribunes) created in Ancient Rome. Tribunes were elected, and had the right to propose legislation before the Plebeian Council

Background imagePlebeian Collection: Albinus saving the Vestal Virgins from the Gauls

Albinus saving the Vestal Virgins from the Gauls
When the Gauls attack Rome, a plebeian named Albinus helps the fleeing Vestal Virgins by taking them in his cart to the city of Cumae, where they find shelter in a temple


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In ancient Rome, the Twelve Tables were drawn up to establish laws and regulations for all citizens, including the plebeians. These tables aimed to provide a fair and just society where everyone had equal rights. However, the plebeians often faced discrimination and oppression from the patricians, leading them to revolt against their unjust treatment. They fought for their rights and demanded better representation in the Roman Senate. One notable figure who exemplified the strength spirit was Curius Dentatus. He refused bribes from Samnites, demonstrating his integrity and dedication to serving his fellow citizens. Medieval miniatures depict scenes of Roman senators gathering for discussions in an attempt to find solutions that would benefit both patricians and plebeians alike. It highlights the importance of dialogue in resolving societal issues. The tragic story of Virginia showcases the struggles faced by plebeian families. In this tale, Virginia's father Virginius kills her rather than allowing her to be enslaved by a corrupt system. This heart-wrenching event sheds light on the harsh realities endured by many during those times. Tiberius and Caius Gracchus were prominent Roman politicians who fought tirelessly for land reforms that would benefit not only themselves but also their fellow plebeians. Their efforts sparked debates about social inequality within Roman society. Artistic depictions such as Copenhagen House etching or Plebean Spirit publication capture moments when ordinary people expressed their voice through protests or demands for change. The vox populi echoed loudly as they sought justice and equality. "The Death of Virginia" painting portrays another tragic incident where a young woman loses her life due to oppressive circumstances beyond her control. This artwork serves as a reminder of how deeply ingrained class divisions were during ancient times. Political satire like "The Hustings" or "The Republican Attack" published in 1795 humorously critique political corruption while shedding light on issues faced by the plebeians.