Roman Social Classes

With the evolution of Rome into an empire, the lower classes became increasingly disenfranchised by the concentration of power and wealth in the emperor and ruling classes. This economic, political, social and legal stratification of Roman society saw dissolution of traditional social values, increased injustice, and economic exploitation. While the central tenants of Christianity were based on equality, community, justice, the superiority of character over wealth and of God over man, these ideals presented a philosophical and spiritual alternative to the materialistic, hedonistic, cruel and selfish society that Rome had become and made this revolutionary ideology gain traction first in the lower classes and finally in to the elite. Another
As one of the greatest leaders of the Roman state, he clearly saw the political, economic, military and social problems facing Rome. Proclaimed “Augustus” by the senate, politically he both reinvigorated the Roman Senate while amassing huge amount of power in his own hands. With the end of the civil wars peace and order spread across the Empire. This was great for economic activity and over all prosperity. Roman society was divided into classes: senatorial, equestrian, the lower classes and slaves. The vast majority of the free citizens fell into the lower class. Later it was these classes that the message of Christianity spread the fastest. Augustus tried to restore the traditions Greek/Roman religious beliefs by repairing old temples and constructing new ones. He also started the cult worship of Julius Caesar. As Rome became more affluent there was a huge decline in fiscal responsibility, and social mores especially among the upper classes. Augustus tried to reverse this moral decline by new legislation including making adultery illegal and put limits on lavish parties. The subsequent series of rulers of Rome included both Caligula and Nero. Both took the level of depravity to new heights. As the emperor’s power became more absolute, corruption and arbitrary rule dominated Roman society. Although the emperors of the Flavian dynasty and the “Five Good Emperors” did a lot to reverse the excesses and restore
A major irritant was the spread of Christianity. The state tried to hem the expanse by vigorous persecution of Christian believers. Christians also reorganized to meet the threat. Organizational changing from a loose association to a more discipline organized hierarchy. While the Empire suffered a series of civil wars and plagues they attempted to again use the Christians as scapegoats while spreading false propaganda against them. However this brutal suppression only benefited the expanse of the religion and the heroic martyrs. The stage was set for the final act. Christian beliefs had penetrated to the highest levels of the aristocracy. In 4th century emperor Constantine officially tolerated the Christianity and later under Theodosius I Christianity became the official religion of the state. This did not mean universal conversion, many of the excess of the Romans continued for hundreds of years. The Gladiatorial games were officially ended by Emperor Honorius after the martyrdom of the monk Telemachus while trying to stop a