The dehumanizing view of slavery in Roman law classified a runaway slave as a thief for stealing themselves from their master, highlighting the brutal nature of the institution.

Roman citizenship came with privileges and obligations, emphasizing the importance of citizenship in Roman society, although it was limited to a small percentage of the population.

Roman aristocrats, who were major landowners, lived off the rents and produce from their land, relying on peasants and slaves for labor, which allowed them to avoid traditional occupations.

Gladiators in Roman society exemplified status dissonance, as they were often slaves yet could achieve fame and admiration through their combat skills, creating a complex social dynamic.

The most common source of slaves in the Roman world was war, with soldiers capturing enemies and selling them to slave traders following the army.

Economic inequality in the late Roman Republic led to social stress, as small landholders were pushed out by wealthy elites, affecting military recruitment and societal stability.

The Romans often viewed business and profit-making as shameful, leading to a reliance on private contractors for tax collection, which resulted in exploitation of provinces.

The wealthy Romans had the leisure time to engage in literacy and statecraft, believing this made them the best suited to lead the Republic, despite their reluctance to educate the lower classes.

The Roman populace often did not encounter the government directly; their lives were primarily influenced by local elites who managed tax collection and community affairs.