collapse of the Roman Empire

…

…upper class, Honestiores, became more visible. Lower classes, like peasants were tied to their land, soldiers to the army, citizens of upper class to the collection and payment of the taxes. The upper class, however, had more privileges. They were given lighter penalties, had the right of appeal to the emperor, and could not be tortured. Although the empire did improve a little bit with time, it never got to flourish as it used to.