Social Status of Roman Senators According to the Theodosian Code: Legislation and Reality

In 438, at the initiative of Emperor Theodosius II, one most significant legislative collections late Roman Empire, Codex Theodosianus (Eng. Theodosian Code), was published, which is a valuable source on social history state in Late Antiquity. Based data and Novellae Emperors, author article reconstructs important components status senators fourth century BC. It revealed that view emperor compilers Code, senatorial aristocracy thought as highest class Empire. Several factors influenced senators. Following “suitable” way life proper performance political functions determined position senator society formed his reputation not only eyes emperor, but also community, well other classes. The person got into ranks affected status. So, it so much origin important, observance legality obtaining titles, and, case decurions, legitimacy transition from estate to another. Finally, possession patrimony ensuring its functioning guaranteed full timely payment taxes by senators, ruler for maintaining high aristocracy. Unlike legislation, reality more complex. Thus, larger number (for example, acceptance or rejection aristocrat city plebs), moreover, fulfillment all requirements put forward imperial power did always lead him success activity.