The Plebs was the general body of Roman citizens (as distinguished from slaves) in Ancient Rome. They were distinct from the higher class of the patricians. A member of the plebs was known as a plebeian (Latin: plebeius). The term is used more commonly today to refer to one who is in the middle or lower class, or who appears to be; however, in Rome, plebeians could become quite wealthy and influential.
The origin of the class separation is unclear. However the populace of the city of Rome during the reigns of Romulus, Numa Pompilius, and Tullus Hostilius were all called patrician; they may have been the only inhabitants of Rome. It is during the reign of Ancus Marcius that the plebeians came to Rome from diplomatic alliances as secondary citizens. In any case, around the time of the foundation of the Roman Republic, the plebeians were excluded from religious colleges and magistracies, and the law of the Twelve Tables disallowed intermarriage (which was finally allowed by the Lex Canuleia). Before the twelve tables the judges would be in favor of the patricians there for mistreated the plebians. At the same time, plebeians were enrolled in the gentes and tribes, served in the army, and could become military tribunes.
