Champions of the Roman People? A History of the Tribunes of the Plebs

The complete history of the Roman tribunate of the plebs, from its origins to its afterlife in later political thought

• Provides a balanced and concise overview of current debates and key issues
• Provides a new assessment of some key moments in Rome’s political and institutional history
• Provides a chapter on the history of the tribunate after the tribunate, touching on its modern reception

The tribunate of the plebs was a completely original political institution at the heart of all major political developments in ancient Rome. It is impossible to understand the history of Rome without giving close consideration to the status and agency of the tribunes; and their political legacy extended far beyond ancient Rome itself, surviving from the Middle Ages to the present day. From their inception in 494 BCE to their gradual disappearance during the 4th century CE, this book offers, for the first time, a comprehensive and accessible overview of the tumultuous history of these magistrates. Thibaud Lanfranchi concludes with an analysis of how the tribunes also became a central element of later political thought, which played a role in shaping the political structures of Western Europe.