Origins of Roman Society

The story begins with Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, who established a community on the seven hills and created the Senate, an advisory board of 100 distinguished men from noble clans. The term "senate" derives from the Latin word for "old man," reflecting the wisdom of its members. Patricians, the aristocracy of early Rome, were defined by their family lineage rather than wealth, setting the stage for the complex social structure that would evolve as Rome grew.