Lavoro e identità sociale nella documentazione epigrafica della gente di mestiere di Roma (I secolo a.C. - III secolo d.C.). I professionisti del lusso (gioielleria, abbigliamento, cosmesi)

This thesis analyzes the epigraphic sources relating to the artisans and merchants of Rome (1st century BC - III century AD), active in particularly prestigious and remunerative economic sectors such as luxury clothing, cosmetics and jewellery (Chapter I). At the center of the investigation are therefore aurifices, gemmarii, margaritarii, plumarii, purpurarii, sericarii, unguentarii and many other professionals active in Rome in the production and trade of exclusive goods (Chapter II). The aim of this work is to highlight the value of epigraphy as an expression of the forma mentis of a social category: in particular, the primary objective of the research is to highlight the meaning of the epigraphic recording of work, which in the Roman world constitutes the main factor in the economic and social ascent of individuals and families, in spite of the predominantly negative conception of craftsmanship and retail trade, activities that were repeatedly condemned by aristocratic moralistic literature (Chapter III).