Servian Constitution

Definition

The Servian Constitution refers to a significant political reform attributed to the sixth king of Rome, Servius Tullius, which reorganized the Roman state into a more structured society based on wealth and military service. This constitution introduced the concept of the census, categorizing citizens into different classes and assigning them military and political responsibilities. It laid the groundwork for the later development of the Roman Republic by establishing a framework that emphasized both social stratification and civic duty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Servian Constitution is credited with establishing a more organized and stratified society by grouping citizens based on wealth and property.
2. The introduction of the census allowed for better management of military recruitment, as only those in certain wealth classes were obligated to serve in the army.
3. This constitution also led to the creation of new political institutions, such as the Centuriate Assembly, which reflected the distribution of power among different wealth classes.
4. Servius Tullius, who implemented this constitution, is often seen as a pivotal figure in transforming Rome from a monarchy to a more republican structure.
5. The social divisions created by the Servian Constitution set the stage for future conflicts between different classes, particularly between patricians and plebeians.

Review Questions

• How did the Servian Constitution change the organization of Roman society and influence political participation?
  • The Servian Constitution restructured Roman society by introducing a class system based on wealth, which affected how citizens participated in politics. By implementing a census, citizens were classified into different classes that determined their military duties and voting rights. This change created a more organized political structure, where wealthier citizens had greater influence in assemblies like the Centuriate Assembly, allowing for a clearer link between property ownership and civic responsibility.
• Discuss the implications of the census introduced by the Servian Constitution on military service and civic duties in Rome.
  • The census was crucial in shaping military service in ancient Rome by determining which citizens were required to serve based on their wealth classification. Wealthier citizens were typically expected to provide their own arms and armor, making them eligible for higher military ranks and positions. This not only reinforced social hierarchies but also created a sense of obligation among citizens to participate in defense activities based on their economic status, intertwining social class with civic duty.
• Evaluate how the social structure created by the Servian Constitution contributed to class tensions in later Roman history.
  • The social structure established by the Servian Constitution laid a foundation for significant class tensions in Roman history. By clearly delineating citizens into distinct wealth classes, it intensified conflicts between patricians and plebeians. As plebeians sought greater political rights and access to power, these tensions often manifested in social strife, leading to political reforms like the Conflict of the Orders. This ongoing struggle highlighted how initial constitutional changes can have lasting effects on societal dynamics and governance.

Related terms

Census: A systematic count of the population that determined an individual's wealth and status within the Roman society, influencing their political and military obligations.

Centuriate Assembly: A key voting assembly in the Roman Republic that was organized based on the wealth classifications established by the Servian Constitution, where military service was tied to voting power.

Patricians: The aristocratic class in ancient Rome who held significant power and privileges, often contrasting with the lower classes influenced by the changes brought by the Servian Constitution.