Social Class and Status

The book frequently discusses the social origins of the emperors, such as the patrician Claudii versus the obscure Flavian family, and how class, wealth, and public perception (including insults about low birth) affect their authority and the political dynamics of Rome.

Caligula's actions target all classes: he strips nobles of their ancient family devices, forces wealthy provincials to pay for dinner invitations, and imposes taxes on prostitutes and porters, demonstrating a perverse leveling of society through tyranny.