Secessio plebis

Secessio plebis (withdrawal of the commoners, or Secession of the Plebs) was an informal exercise of power by Rome's plebeian citizens, similar to a general strike.

Quotes

 * The poor were wise, who, by the rich oppressed,
 * Withdrew, and sought a secret place of rest.
 * Juvenal, Satire III, J. Dryden, trans.