Romans were prone to seeing dangers everywhere. Since Roman peace was imposed coercively on the vanquished and enslaved, it was a project without end. Even among themselves, Romans were anxious to build their prestige in rivalry against other citizens who threatened to outdo or undermine them. And yet, the turbulent life of honour had enough stability to support an empire. How should we understand the double character of the social and legal order built on prestige how it is both solid and fragile at the same time? .
