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This book deals with changing power and status relations between AD 193 and 284, when the Empire came under tremendous pressure, and presents new insights into the diachronic development of imperial administration and socio-political hierarchies between the second and fourth centuries.

Abstract In Vita Alexandri 21.5 the author of the Historia Augusta claims that praetorian prefects were elevated to the rank of senator by Severus Alexander to make sure that no Roman senator would be judged by someone who was not a senator. Most scholars agree that the writer of the Historia Augusta makes a muddle of truth, half truth and falsehood concerning the grant of senatorial dignity to praetorian prefects. Yet they pay little attention to the statement concerning the motive of the prefects' status upgrade. Re-interpretations based on recent discoveries suggest that information from the Historia Augusta may contain elements of truth, which makes it worthwhile to re-evaluate cases for which alternative sources are available. In this article, the case of L. Petronius Taurus Volusianus, praetorian prefect under Gallienus and consul in AD 261, is discussed against the background of changing power and status relations in the third century, showing that Historia Augusta, Vita Alexandri 21.5 may contain more truth than is usually agreed upon.

Three ways to death were being prepared for Gaius, each of them under the leadership of a good man. One group gathered around Aemilius Regulus, a native of Cordoba in Spain, who was eager that either he or his companions should do away with him. Another group being organised to help them was led by Cassius Chaerea, a military tribune. Last but not least, Annius Minucianus was also among those preparing to attack the tyranny. They all had their reasons to detest Gaius and conspire against him. Regulus was angry with the whole situation; he hated unjust deeds with the