The transformation from Res Publica to Imperium set the government of the Roman Empire on a path of ever increasing complexity and resplendance. The facade of Octavian’s characterisation of himself as “primus inter pares” was soon abandoned by his successors. The Senate continued to exist, but was stripped of its powers and became a purely ceremonial body, while the Caesar (this is properly pronounced “kaisar” in Classical Latin) took over the powers, and especially the regalia, of the Praefectus Urbi. The transfer of the capital to Constantinople, a city which soon became much larger than Rome, resulted in more and more courtiers holding more and more court ranks, and occupied by ever more lavish rituals to celebrate the religious and political life of this enormous, affluent and complex empire.
Participants are at liberty to choose what level(s) of society they wish represent. It is usual to begin as a commoner, an ordinary citizen or soldier recruit - the clothes are easier and cheaper if nothing else! - and there are always chores to be done, to which everyone is expected to make a contribution at some time. A person may wish to remain in that area of society, but for those who are more ambitious, the sky, or rather the imperial throne, is the limit! The only constraint is such a person's capacity and willingness to put in the effort, and spend the money, required to outfit themselves to a standard befitting the rank to which they aspire.