Social Hierarchies
Let’s take a step back from the specifics and consider the social structures of the Roman Empire. Tacitus outlined the main social groups during the early empire, which included senators, members of the equestrian class, the respectable segment of society associated with noble households, the lower class often depicted as unkempt and drawn to entertainment like the circus and theater, and slaves. However, by the late empire, which commenced with Constantine I in the early fourth century, the senatorial and equestrian classes had merged into an expanded aristocracy, with a significant portion of families originating from Africa or the eastern regions.
This late Roman aristocracy was immensely wealthy but wielded less influence compared to the predominantly non-aristocratic military elites. The middle class comprised individuals involved in imperial service, both in bureaucracy and the army, as well as prosperous merchants and farmers, particularly prominent in the eastern provinces. Many of these middle-class families relied on government positions for sustenance, marking a shift from their previous ties to the senatorial houses.
Beneath the middle class were the humiliores, or the lower classes, which included various segments such as rural laborers, industrial and mining workers, migrant laborers, artisans, casual laborers, and a substantial population of slaves, particularly prevalent in the western regions of the empire.
Olympiodorus, a historian and ambassador from the early fifth century, noted that the aristocracy in Rome amassed considerable wealth, with annual incomes reaching up to 4,000 pounds of gold from their estates alone, excluding personal consumption.
In terms of the monetary system, the late empire transitioned from silver-based currencies to a gold-based system due to the depletion of Spanish silver mines. Gold became the primary currency in circulation during late antiquity.
The late Roman bureaucracy, despite rampant corruption, was relatively affluent, with salaries predominantly paid in gold. Corruption was widespread, especially in the judicial system and military administration, but the government periodically intervened to address these issues. Despite being authoritarian, the Roman state had developed a strong legal tradition by the fourth century, providing some protection for civil rights. This legal framework enabled influential figures like Bishop Ambrose to challenge overly oppressive emperors, showcasing the significance of law in mitigating abuses of power.
Chapter 2: Social Hierarchies| Class 11 History Notes
Tacitus offers a nuanced depiction of social classes in the early Roman Empire, delineating between senators, members of the equestrian class, the respectable populace associated with great houses, the lower class engrossed in entertainment, and slaves. However, by the late empire, significant shifts occurred, with the consolidation of senators and equites into a unified aristocracy, dominated by families of African or eastern origin.
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