plebeian tribune

Roman official

Also known as: plebeian tribunate, tribuni plebis, tribunus plebis(Show More)

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June 17, 2026

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The tribuni plebis, or tribunes of the plebs, were Roman officials established to protect the rights of the common people (plebeians). Emerging by the 5th century BC, their office became one of Rome's most powerful. Initially, there were two tribunes, but their number grew to ten.12

Key powers and characteristics of the plebeian tribunes included:
* Sacrosanctity: Their persons were legally inviolable, meaning anyone who harmed them could be killed with impunity.12
* Veto Power (Intercessio): They could nullify the actions of consuls, magistrates, and even their own colleagues.12
* Presiding over Plebeian Assemblies: They convened and led the plebeian assembly, where they could propose legislation.12
* Prosecution: They could initiate legal proceedings against magistrates for misconduct.12

While intended as champions of the people, the office was sometimes used by ambitious aristocrats to gain popularity. The emperor later assumed the "tribunician power" as a significant element of his authority.1

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ancient Rome
The plebeian tribunate
According to the annalistic tradition, one of the most important events in the struggle of the orders was the creation of the plebeian tribunate. After being worn down by military service, bad economic conditions, and the rigours of early Rome’s debt law, the…
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According to the annalistic tradition, one of the most important events in the struggle of the orders was the creation of the plebeian tribunate. After being worn down by military service, bad economic conditions, and the rigours of early Rome’s debt law, the…
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tribune
The tribuni plebis (tribunes of the plebs, or lower classes) were in existence by the 5th century bc; their office developed into one of the most powerful in Rome. The exact date of its institution, the original mode of election, and the original extent of its…
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ancient Rome
Citizenship and politics in the middle republic
…will, in part because the plebeian tribunes, as members of the senatorial order, generally shared the Senate’s interests and in part because the plebeians benefited from Rome’s great successes abroad under senatorial leadership. Yet senatorial fear of unbridled popular legislative power is perceptible in the Aelian and Fufian law of…
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…will, in part because the plebeian tribunes, as members of the senatorial order, generally shared the Senate’s interests and in part because the plebeians benefited from Rome’s great successes abroad under senatorial leadership. Yet senatorial fear of unbridled popular legislative power is perceptible in the Aelian and Fufian law of…
Read More