The social structure in ancient Rome significantly influenced everyday life. This can be seen in the depiction of the Dinner of Trimalchio, where the narrator, Encolpius, describes the extravagant feast hosted by a wealthy freedman, likely belonging to the equestrian class. Examining the various social classes in Roman society provides valuable insight into the interactions and dynamics at play during such gatherings, highlighting the impact of social class on socialization in ancient Rome.
In ancient Rome, there were five primary classes or ranks. At the top were the Patricians, who held sway over the best land and comprised most of the Roman senate. Membership in this class hinged on the patronage, or clientela system, which Triamlchio endeavors to emulate in the text. This system involved a patron-client relationship between classes, wherein they provided services for each other, serving as one of the social bonds in Roman society. Additionally, the Patricians held the office of censor, which managed the Roman census and appointed Roman senators, solidifying their dominance over the social hierarchy. The next class is the equites, also known as the equestrian class, which ranks just below the senatorial class. Encolpius and Asycltos probably belong to this group. Initially, this class was distinguished by its members' service in the Roman cavalry. They were wealthier than the average Roman, with most engaged in business, tax collection, or trade. Over time, as their military role diminished, they occupied a unique position in Roman politics between the senatorial and common classes.
Below them were the Plebeians, who were the working class. They were initially excluded from the Senate and all public offices. Before the Conflict of Orders, they could not marry into a patrician family. Patricians were usually farmers, bakers, builders, or craftsmen.
Freedmen were individuals, most of whom were guests at Trimalchio's dinner party, who had either purchased their freedom or been emancipated by their masters. Upon gaining their freedom, they became clients of their former owners, relying on their patronage. Although they were granted citizenship, they were excluded from holding political office. Freedmen were eligible for any job for which they were qualified, and as observed in the text, they were also capable of amassing significant wealth. Nevertheless, despite this newfound prosperity, their social status remained unchanged. Throughout ancient Rome, enslaved people, featured in various roles within the text, occupied the lowest social class. They were regarded as the property of their masters and were compelled to carry out their orders. Many enslaved men toiled in the mines and in the construction of roads, which were among the most arduous jobs. The possibility of obtaining freedom while engaged in these tasks was extremely slim, as they rarely encountered their masters. Enslaved men also fulfilled various roles, including tutors, waiters, butlers, bodyguards, and supervisors on estates.
Meanwhile, enslaved women attended to the women's bathing, dressing, and grooming in their households, maintaining cleanliness and caring for the children. Most enslaved people were either captured in warfare or abducted by slave traders. Some individuals even sold themselves or their children into slavery as a means of settling debts.
The text illustrates how social class is a significant barrier for most freedmen. Trimalchio consistently attempts to distance himself from his social class and behave as if he is above it. For instance, while members of the Roman senatorial class wear a gold ring, Trimalchio, a freedman, wears a gold ring with some discoloration to give the impression of belonging to the class. Additionally, senatorial class members adorn their clothing with a distinctive purple stripe. Unable to do so, Trimalchio uses a purple stripe on his napkin as an imitation instead.
The text also depicts the conflicts between the different social classes. Asycltos engages in an argument with one of Trimalchio's freedmen friends after Asycltos and Giton laugh at him. The freedman then goes on to assert his superiority over Asycltos, revealing a clear resentment regarding his own social class. Given the impossibility of changing one's social status in Ancient Rome, it is evident that there were deeply rooted sentiments on this topic. The text effectively demonstrates the limited scope for social mobility in the Roman world. The wealthy freedmen in the text are portrayed as flamboyant and over-the-top. Encolpius and Ascyltos, likely members of the equestrian class, occupy a higher social standing than the other guests at the dinner party. As Encolpius is the narrator, his descriptions of the dinner reveal much about the Roman upper-class perspectives on the lower classes. Trimalchio never quite fits in with upper-class society despite his efforts. When he attempts to sound educated by recounting Greek and Roman myths, he does so disastrously. His attempts to dress like a member of the senatorial class are also futile due to his social position. The extravagant displays at the dinner and the discussions held cause Ascyltos, Encolpius, and Giton, all accustomed to a higher social status, to laugh and feel despondent. Thus, The Dinner of Trimalchio highlights a clear distinction between the aristocracy and the common people of Rome. While ordinary individuals can amass wealth, they can never authentically emulate the behavior of a "true" Roman aristocrat.
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