What does the term "novus homo" refer to in Roman society?

The term "novus homo," which translates to "new man," specifically refers to an individual in Roman society who does not belong to the aristocratic class or whose family has not held high political office before. This designation highlights the social mobility that could be achieved in Rome, where a person from a lesser background could rise to prominence and achieve consulship or other significant political positions purely based on their merits and capabilities. Such individuals were often celebrated for their achievements as they represented the possibility of success through hard work and talent, contrasting with the entrenched aristocracy that dominated Roman political life.

The other options represent specific roles within Roman society rather than the broader social classification that "novus homo" indicates. Tax collectors were often viewed with suspicion and scorn by the public, so they do not reflect the social rise that "novus homo" encompasses. A judicial magistrate is a specific office held within the government, and while a novus homo could become a magistrate, the term itself refers to the person's status rather than their specific role. Similarly, a chief magistrate, such as a consul, could be a novus homo, but the term is not confined to that position only and speaks to the social ascent rather than to any particular