How did the role of the patricians change?

The role of the patricians in ancient Rome evolved significantly over time, particularly during the transition from the Roman Republic to the Empire. Initially, patricians held exclusive political power and privileges, controlling key religious and governmental positions. However, as the republic expanded and the plebeians gained more rights through reforms, the patricians' influence diminished. By the Empire, while still retaining some social prestige, their political power was increasingly shared with the equestrian class and other non-patrician elites.