Patricians were members of the elite class in ancient Rome. They held significant social, political, and economic power. This group was typically made up of wealthy landowners and noble families, who often had ancestral ties to the founding of the city. Patricians played a crucial role in the early Roman government, particularly in the Senate. In contrast to the patricians, the plebeians were the common people of Rome, including farmers, laborers, and artisans. Over time, the struggle between patricians and plebeians led to social reforms, allowing plebeians to gain more rights and representation in the government. This conflict was a key aspect of Roman history.