The Roman Republic was traditionally organized into distinct social "Orders," primarily the Patricians and the Plebeians. The conflict between these Orders, known as the Conflict of the Orders, was a prolonged political and social struggle that lasted from the early fifth century BCE to the late third century BCE. It was fundamentally a struggle for political equality, legal rights, economic justice, and participation in governance. The Patricians were the hereditary aristocracy who monopolized political offices, religious positions, and judicial authority. They owned large estates and exercised considerable influence over the Senate and public administration. The Plebeians, who constituted the majority of the population, included farmers, artisans, traders, and soldiers. Although they contributed significantly to the economy and military, they were initially excluded from important political institutions and suffered from debt, land inequality, and arbitrary justice. The