A History of the Roman Equestrian Order

Caillan Davenport provides a comprehensive history of the Roman equestrian order, tracing the equites from their Republican origins through their increasingly important roles under the emperors. The book examines how wealth, status, public service and proximity to imperial power shaped a group that stood below the senatorial elite but occupied a crucial place in Roman government and society.

Their place in Roman public life was never confined to one kind of job. Davenport follows equestrians from cavalry service, court juries and tax-collection companies in the Republic into military commands and administrative careers under the emperors. Inscriptions, honours and individual career histories reveal how rank was claimed and recognised, as well as how opportunities changed when power became concentrated around the imperial court.