The Roman approach to empire building included a cultural permeability that allowed foreigners to become a part of it, but according to Orlin, it was that very characteristic that blurred the distinction between Roman and non-Roman and posed a challenge to Roman identity. 'Who was a true Roman' became a highly contested subject of the second century of the common era. "All parties strove to present themselves as truly Roman and their opponents as the ones who should no longer be included within that community" thereby establishing clear boundaries for what it meant to be Roman. The elite demonstrated their 'Romanness' largely through Roman religion.