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Equites
Knights-turned middling entrepreneurs from the provincial Italian towns with economic interests in Rome. Cultivated by Emperors as a counterweight in the imperial administration to senators, who saw them as a distinct class. Were co-opted into Senate, over time replacing most patricians.
Proconsul
Post given to consuls after their year of tenure. Was a provincial military leadership assignment, its appointment came into hands of emperors as early as Augustus.
Praetorian Guard
The palace guard of the emperor and his possessions. An Augustinian innovation.
Praetorian Prefect
Head of the Praetorian Guard. Became king-makers at times of socio-political instability.
Alimenta
Nerva's loans to small agriculturalists, the proceeds of which went to help the fisci of Italian and Gaulic towns. Continued by Trajan.
Aelia Capitolina
Trajan's idea to rebuild and repopulate Palestine with a non-Jewish, Roman capital.
Latifundia
Middle to large estates in Italy and southern Gaul. Material basis for patrician-equestrian wealth and city-growth.
