Describe the social categories of roman empire ?(class xi history)
Answers
Below is the pyramid of Roman society, with the emperor at top and slaves at the bottom. Multiple layers existed between them. While it was possible to move up and down this social latter, as the categories were not immutable, changing one’s social standing was extremely difficult and only possible through meritocratic institutions such as the military.
The Emperor
Head of Roman society and ruler of all Rome
Patrician Families
Wealthy influential landowning families
Senators
Served in the Senate and governed Rome
Equestrians
Wealthy property owners who chose business over politics
Plebeians
Working class. Men without substantial wealth who worked for their living at jobs such as artisans, craftsmen, bakers etc
Freed Slaves
Slaves who had either been given their freedom or had paid for their freedom and now worked for their living.
Slaves
Generally prisoners of war but sometimes abandoned children who were owned by their master
This article is part of our larger resource on the Romans culture, society, economics, and warfare