Expert: Jim Miller - 1/10/2007

Question
Hi
What can you tell me about the social stratification of the New Testament Times?

Thanks very much!

Answer
   This is a bit beyond my area of expertise, but the question is also very broad an vague.
   So, for a broad and vague answer, the social strata (or blocs) are

   Roman aristocrats and other rich and powerful Romans.
   Non-Roman aristocrats (like the Herods)
   Roman citizens.
   Non-Roman merchants.
   Guild workers.
   Peasants and Freedmen (and women).
   Slaves of Romans and of non-Roman aristocrats.
   Other slaves.

   That is a start.
Jim Miller