Twelve Tables

   At first, the plebeians really didn't get a say in Roman government or the making of Roman laws. These plebeians were not only on a lower social class than the ruling patricians, but the plebeians made up most of the Roman population. Therefore, their lack of say in Roman government started to anger them. In 490 BC, the plebeians had a chance to speak up and demand power, and they did. However, the patricians were refusing to give any of their power to the plebeians. This caused what is called Conflicts of the Orders, which was a political struggle over power and say in Ancient Rome. The plebeians decided to have huge protest in mass numbers where they left Rome, threatening the patricians with their very large, armed force of plebeians. The patricians finally gave in and gave the plebeians some power. The Tribune of the Plebs was created, which were only for the plebeian class, and gave them a say in legal matters and magistrates. In 451 BC, ten officials physically wrote down Roman laws. These laws were written on tablets/tables, where they were then put in the Forum for everyone to see. The Twelve Tables were born. They showed the fight and determination of the plebeians and showed that everyone had their right to the protection of the law.