In Roman society, a Tribunus (rendered into English as Tribune) was a magistrate whose task was to protect and defend the interests of the plebeians (the common people) from oppression. The role was established circa 490 BCE in the Roman Republic as plebeians fought to have rights against the privileged patricians. The Tribunus had veto power over measures enacted by Consuls, sentences declared by Praetors, and monetary decisions made by Quaestors. Tribunes were elected by the Consilium Plebis (Assembly of the People). After 200 years or so, more conflicts between Plebeians and Patricians led to the Tribunus receiving more powers, such as arresting Magistrates and convening a meeting of the Senate. In return though, the Tribunus had to live within 1 day's journey of Rome and their house mu