Plebeian Tribunes
Sacrosanct protectors of the plebs, armed with the power of intercession and veto.
The tribunes of the plebs (tribuni plebis) were instituted in 494 BC, after the first secession of the plebs, to protect the interests of the plebeians against the actions of the senate and the annual magistrates, who were uniformly patrician. Only plebeians were eligible for these offices, although at least two exceptions existed. They were assisted by two aediles plebis, or plebeian aediles. The tribunes had the power to convene the concilium plebis, or plebeian assembly, and propose legislation before it. After 287 BC, the decrees of the concilium plebis had the effect of law over all Roman citizens.
Lore & Background
The ancient sources indicate the tribunes may have originally been two or five in number. If the former, the college of tribunes was expanded to five in 471 BC under the lex Publilia. Either way, the college was increased to ten in 457 BC, and remained at this number throughout Roman history. The tribunes were sacrosanct, and the whole body of the plebeians were pledged to protect the tribunes against any assault or interference with their persons during their terms of office. Anyone who violated the sacrosanctity of the tribunes might be killed without penalty. This was also the source of the tribunes' power, known as ius intercessionis, or intercessio, by which any tribune could intercede on behalf of a Roman citizen to prohibit the act of a magistrate or other official. Citizens could appeal the decisions of the magistrates to the tribunes, who would then be obliged to determine the legality of the action before a magistrate could proceed. This power also allowed the tribunes to forbid, or veto any act of the senate or another assembly. However, the tribunes' veto did not extend to a dictator, nor to the actions of a fellow tribune.
Reader's Guide
The tribunes of the plebs were elected by the plebeians alone, and not the whole Roman people. Technically they were not magistrates. Their tribunicia potestas was limited because it was derived from the people's oath to defend the tribunes. This limited most of the tribunes' actions to the boundaries of the city itself, as well as a radius of one mile around. They had no power to affect the actions of provincial governors. Under the Roman Empire, the tribunes continued to be elected, but had lost their independence and most of their practical power. The office became merely a step in the political careers of plebeians who aspired toward a seat in the senate.
Did You Know?
- In 48 BC, the senate granted tribunician sacrosanctity to Julius Caesar, but the full tribunicia potestas was granted in 44 BC; in 23 BC, Augustus received it, making it a standard imperial title.
- The tribunes' power was limited to the city of Rome and a radius of one mile around it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What powers did they possess?
Tribunes held sacrosanctity, which made them legally inviolable, alongside a unique veto authority over state actions. This power allowed them to block legislation or magistrate orders that threatened the welfare of the citizenry.
Who were their main political opponents?
Their primary adversaries included the patrician class, the Senate, and high-ranking magistrates like the Consuls. These groups frequently clashed with Tribunes who sought to limit aristocratic corruption and tyranny.
What was their status during the 2nd Century BC?
Throughout this period, they functioned as an active political force capable of halting consular actions immediately. Their authority ensured that the sacred voice of the people remained a check on executive power.
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