(63 b.c. - a.d. 14) first
Roman emperor (27 b.c. - a.d. 14); reformer, patron of arts and literature. He carried out a gigantic
work of
reorganization in every
field of
Roman life. He brought about the formation of the senatorial and equestrian classes on a permanent basis, each of which had its own
place in the governmental system. Those of the senatorial
class acted as
senators, and the equestrians served as governors in the imperial provinces and held other
key governmental posts. Wealth became the
main criterion for membership in these two classes.
—State of Man Congress Approved Gls (14.5.92)