| − | The Patricians were the highest class of citizens in early [[Rome]], composed of wealthy landowners. Although the patricians were only 10% of society, they hell all the power with their three hundred member senate. Eventually, the [[plebian]] lower class gained equality with the upper class and "Patrician" became a name for any court official. | + | The Patricians were the highest class of citizens in early [[Rome]], composed of wealthy landowners. Although the patricians were only 10% of society, they held all the power with their three hundred member senate. Eventually, the [[plebian]] lower class gained equality with the upper class and "Patrician" became a name for any court official. |