- The King
From its foundation, Rome was ruled by its Kings until c. 510 B.C. The King's powers were very extensive. He was supreme commander in time of war, and had supreme civil and criminal jurisdiction. He held the office of High Priest and his powers over his subjects included ius vitae aut necis (power of life or death).
- The people
In the very early days the inhabitants of Rome were divided into three tribes: the Luceres, Tities and Ramnes. Each occupied one part of Roman territory. The tribes were divided into curiae, each consisting of patricians with a common name and common blood ties. By 241 B.C. there were 35 tribes. The inhabitants of Rome in the time of the Kings consisted of:
+ Patricians
The nobility who were, for a long period, alone eligible to occupy the State's high offices.
+ Plebeians
Originally the poorer, non-privileged citizens.
+ Clients
Who enjoyed a status between patricians and plebeians and attached themselves to a patrician house.
+ Slaves
Conquered by the Roman Army and brought back in slavery to Rome.
- The Assemblies of the People
+ Comitia Curiata
This was an assembly of patricians held in the Comitium in the centre of Rome. It consisted of about 30 curiae, each curia casting one vote according to the wishes of its majority. It was convoked by the King and his magistrates. Its duties included the choice of a King and other high officers, and the enacting of the lex curiata de imperio, which conferred imperium (full authority). With the exception of this lex, all its decrees needed confirmation by the Senate. Under the name of Comitia Calata it sanctioned wills, and dealt with adrogation, meeting in March and May of each year under the Head of the College of Pontiffs (Pontifex Maximus).
+ Comitia Centuriata
Introduced by Servius Tullus (578 - 535 B.C.), this assembly of the armed force of Rome became very important with the establishment of the Republic.
+ The Senate
The Senate acted as a consultative body to the Kings. In 580 B.C. it consisted of 300 patricians, chosen because of age and experience.
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- Roman Law: Historical background
+ Periods in the history of Roman Law
+ Roman political history (II): The period of the Republic
+ Roman political history (III): Praetorian development of the Law
+ Roman political history (IV): The period of the Empire
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Source:
Roman Law, L. B. Curzon, pages 5 - 6.
