What were the Roman tribunes?

The tribunes of Rome were divided mainly into:

• Military tribunes .
• Tribunes of the plebs .
• Consular tribunes .

To better understand the differences between them, let’s look at some of their features and roles.

military tribunes

A military tribune or tribunus militum was a person who had military experience. Generally, they were high-ranking officers and commanded a Roman legion, which was a military infantry unit. Each legion consisted of six military tribunes, and their authority was rotating. In addition, they had the following characteristics:

• They were gentlemen, that is, people who were part of what we could call the plebeian bourgeoisie.
• They must have served in the military for at least five years.
• They were in command and care of the troops.
• Normally, they were chosen from among the six most important officers in a legion.
• The position could also be accessed by patricians, and sometimes commoners who had performed military feats.

Years later, the legions came to be commanded by other officials, called “legates” ( legati ). These had greater authority than the military tribunes.

The tribunes of the mob

The tribunes of the plebs are also known as the tribunes of the plebeians or tribunus plebis . These officers were common people chosen by the plebs, that is, the crowd. Although they had to represent almost the majority of the population, this position only had two available positions. In later years their number was increased to ten.

The office of the tribune of the plebs was established in 494 BC. C. and was created to reduce the differences between patricians and plebeians and prevent the latter from rebelling. The tribunes of the common people had the following characteristics:

• They used to be approachable and highly respected people, considered almost holy.
• They defended the common people from the abuses of the nobility.
• They were mediators in conflicts between social classes.
• They could not lead the army.
• They had veto power.
• They could authorize a commoner not to perform military service.
• They prevented commoners from being treated as slaves.
• They could sue other citizens.

Normally the position was exercised by patricians. For example, Mark Antony , who was a triumvir, ruled Rome in the absence of Julius Caesar, and faced Octavian (later named Rome’s first emperor) after Julius Caesar’s death, began in Republic politics as a tribune of the plebs .

consular tribunes

Consular tribunes were called in Latin tribunus militum consulari potestate , and exercised functions of both military tribunes and plebeians. Initially, there were three consular tribunes, but later they were four and then six.

The posts of consular tribunes were created in order to settle conflicts between patricians and plebeians. In this way, it was sought that the plebeians could reach higher levels in the government, without having to modify the position of consul, which until then could only be held by the patricians. Its characteristics and functions were the following:

• They were named every year.
• They were elected by the Senate.
• Initially, this position could only be held by a patrician. Later commoners were also allowed access.
• Their presence was very necessary, especially during wars (either because they attended them or because the consuls were absent from the capital and they were in charge) and internal conflicts, due to their knowledge of the popular classes and their influence on them.
• They could replace the military tribunes when necessary.

other tribunes

Over the years, other tribunes were appointed based on the varying needs of the Realm, the Republic, and the Empire. Some of them were:

• Laticlavian Tribune – The tribunus laticlavius ​​was a high-ranking military officer. He was second in command in the Roman legions. As identification he wore the “laticlave” insignia, which was a broad band, usually purple.
• Angusticlavian tribune : also called tribunus angustum clavium , he was an officer who was identified by the angusticlavo, a fine band.
• Tribune of the treasury or tribune treasury: called tribunus aerarii , he was an officer who collected tribute and distributed the salaries of the soldiers.
  Tribunus celerum : He was the commander of the personal armed guard known as “Celeres”, during the time of Romulus.

In addition, tribunes were appointed cavalry commanders, infantry commanders, military tribunes with consular power, and local landowners, as well as other tribunes for lesser tasks.

Bibliography

• Captivating History. History of Rome: A fascinating guide to the history of Rome, from the legend of Romulus and Remus, the Roman Republic, Byzantium, medieval times and the Renaissance, to modern history. (2021). Spain. Captivating History.
• Roldán Hervás, JM History of Rome . (nineteen ninety five). Spain. Editions University of Salamanca.
• Grimal, P. History of Rome. History of Rome. (2018). Spain. Paidos Editions.