Up to 95% of attested Augustales were freedmen. Many were members of professional associations, not invariably wealthy but still respectable, acting as benefactors to their communities and the  State by funding public gifts (Munera), such as entertainments, new buildings and distribution of the Cura Annonae (annona or grain dole).
Up to 95% of attested Augustales were freedmen. Many were members of professional associations, not necessarily wealthy but still respectable, contributing to their communities and the state by funding public gifts (Munera), such as entertainments, new buildings, and distribution of the Cura Annonae (annona or grain dole).