Il patronato interessato dei senatori presso le associazioni professionali di Ostia antica

Senators need the support of plebs media like the emperor needs the senators’ one. This paper will focus on the patronage of professional associations in Ostia ruled by senators. The analysis of this particular relationship allows us to scrutinize one of the means used by the members of the imperial elite to establish solid relationships with the merchant class, necessary in order to perpetuate their socio-economic stability. Furthermore, this research underlines the importance of the associative milieu in Ostia, strong enough to attract the interest of senators.