Enemies of the Roman Order: Treason, Unrest and Alienation in the Empire

In order to achieve its various successes, the Roman Empire required a consensus from its subjects regarding social norms, ethics and even aesthetics. At the same time, there were any number of people whose acts and attitudes were rejections of the norm. This comprehensive treatment of patterns of deviation examines a cross-section of subjects within the empire – from the urban masses to the educated elites.

Ramsay MacMullen is Dunham Professor of History and Classics at Yale University. His publications include Changes in the Roman Empire, Corruption and the Decline of Rome, Paganism in the Roman Empire and Constantine.