Comitia Tributa

ancient Roman assembly

Also known as: tribal assembly

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June 24, 2026

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The Comitia Tributa, or tribal assembly, was a nonmilitary civilian assembly in ancient Rome. Unlike the military-focused Comitia Centuriata, the Comitia Tributa was more democratic in its organization. This assembly was composed of the entire Roman populace, both patricians and plebeians, organized by tribes.12

The Comitia Tributa was established around 357 BC and was responsible for electing minor magistrates such as quaestors and aediles. It also held minor trials and eventually became a regular body for passing laws affecting all Roman citizens. Its procedures were simpler than other assemblies, and it was often influenced by tribunes or other popular leaders.2

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democracy
The Roman Republic
…plebeians (common people); and the Comitia Tributa, like the Athenian Assembly, was open to all citizens. In all the assemblies, votes were counted by units (centuries or tribes) rather than by individuals; thus, insofar as a majority prevailed in voting, it would have been a majority of units, not of…
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…plebeians (common people); and the Comitia Tributa, like the Athenian Assembly, was open to all citizens. In all the assemblies, votes were counted by units (centuries or tribes) rather than by individuals; thus, insofar as a majority prevailed in voting, it would have been a majority of units, not of…
Read More