In early Roman Republic the land was divided, aristocratically, if you will, into two separate groups, the Plebeians and the Patricians. The Plebeians were mainly workmen who lived in 4 story buildings called Insulae. These buildings were crowded, loud and almost unbearable to live in. While the Plebeians lived in poverty and congestion, the Patricians had all of the power and wealth in Rome...For the time being. The Patricians had formed the senate which consisted of the heads of families. The main authority was given to two different individuals who were elected for only one year terms. The shortness of the rain was so that no certain individual could gain so much power as to become somewhat of a tyrant, though in a time a crisis, the people could appoint a dictator who served for the short term of up to six months.

While the two groups were...