The rise of popularity of ear piercing in Ancient Rome is connected with the increase of wealth in their society. 

As Roman society grew rich and the elite class expanded, ear piercings became a symbol of status. Elaborate and valuable ear jewerly was prized by the Romans looking to show off how powerful and wealthy they were.  

It was supposedly Julius Ceasar himself who played a major role in making ear piercings fashionable, and in fact, it was more common for the men of the Roman Empire to sport such decorations than women, although it was a practice enjoyed by both genders.