L’integrazione e i suoi limiti: per una storia sociale di Trimalchione

The article examines the life and career of Petronius’ character Trimalchio within the dynamics of centre-periphery interaction in the Roman world of the early Imperial period. Three possible viewing angles are identified, in which the dialogue between centre and periphery takes place. First, the geographical scope, with the distinction between Italy and the provinces. Second, the ideological world of Roman citizens as opposed to the values embraced by people of different origin and culture. Third, the social and juridical workings of Roman law, which, through the progressive extension of citizenship rights, aims at the gradual integration of the peripheries of the Empire and their people into the Roman world.