What were the two distinct social classes in ancient Rome?

In ancient Rome, the social structure was primarily divided into two distinct classes known as patricians and plebeians. Patricians were the wealthy, aristocratic families who held significant political power and were often landowners. They held privileges that allowed them greater influence in the government and were typically the only ones who could hold certain high offices.

On the other hand, plebeians represented the majority of the population, comprising the common people, including farmers, laborers, and artisans. Initially, plebeians had limited rights and participation in government activities compared to patricians. However, the struggles between these two classes, especially during the Conflict of the Orders, ultimately led to significant political reforms. These reforms allowed plebeians to gain more rights, including the ability to elect their representatives, known as tribunes, and to eventually hold office.

This distinction reflects the complexities of Roman society and its political evolution, highlighting how social classes interacted and shaped the governance of one of history's most influential civilizations. The other options do not accurately represent the primary social class divisions in ancient Rome, as they either oversimplify the structure or refer to categories that were not as distinctly defined as patricians and plebeians.