The emperor is the most important roman citizen. The first emperor, Augustus, called himself "First among equals". Consuls and senators were next in important citizens. They were very rich and powerful. The two top senators became consuls. Usually the consuls, senators and the emperor met. After consuls and senators came the knights (equities). They were rich citizens and had important jobs, like working in the government army. Then came along ordinary citizens much poorer than the senators or knights. Many were shopkeepers or farmers.
After the ordinary citizens came freed men and women. Often shopkeepers, too. Then were the slaves. The slaves were mostly foreign prisoners who were bought and sold. …
