Membership in ancient Rome was a deeply cherished prize, especially within the upper echelons of society. By joining this exclusive club, a person enjoyed privileges and benefits that could not be matched. Past Roman writers such as Cicero, Livy, and Pliny described it as resembling that of modern day prestigious clubs.
Things like free entry to public games and access to foreign goods; or the honor of being able to help the government in any way possible, whether financially or laboriously; or the right to receive wonderful honors; or even the right to elect to public offices and have a say in political matters; these gave Roman citizens the greatest chance to express their power, position and participation.
The most immediate and perhaps greatest benefit of being a Roman citizen was being granted voting rights in the citizens’ assemblies. This was a crucial role in the life and times of Ancient Rome. The citizens were allowed to elect new magistrates as well as approve or reject laws sponsored by them. Roman citizens were also able to demonstrate their power by deliberating and passing judgments on proposed laws before they became official Roman law. This voting power was the main way for Romans to share their opinion and make sure that their interests were heard.
Being a Roman citizen also granted access to political offices, allowing men, of the proper rank, rank to hold office. Qualified citizens were allowed to be elected to office, though, of course, there were certain minimum criteria that had to be met. For example, Roman males had to be at least 16 years of age and must have a minimum amount of property. Additionally, they had to pass an exam and pay a fee to be eligible to hold the office. This provided a more level playing field and allowed citizens of lesser wealth to gain political power.
One of the most coveted and cherished benefits was the right to own farmland and to raise their own crops. This was not a right shared by the lower classes and so it cemented the status of Roman citizens as being better off financially. Roman citizens also had the right to own slaves as a result of their membership in the club. This gave them great economic power.
Lastly, being a Roman citizen gave one the freedom of speech and allowed them to express their opinions with impunity. The Roman Empire was a hostile land, with death and punishment just around the corner for those who dared to speak against the rulers. But for Roman citizens, such threats were reduced and their right to free speech was highly respected.
Benefits of Social Status
Aside from the advantages of being a Roman citizen, there existed also the many advantages of having a high social standing in Ancient Rome. Roman society generally had a hierarchical system. The higher up one was, the more control they had over the general population. For example, the patrician class was at the top of the social ladder and they had immense influence in the law making process. Additionally, they had the most effective voice in the Senate. Furthermore, they enjoyed the opportunity to perform services of great honor, such as dedicatory embassies. This acknowledged their high standing. Moreover, they had much more access to foreign goods and were sometimes able to even get free entry to public games.
The senatorial class too had many advantages. They could be elected to hold office, could control the selection of magistrates and could exercise the power of the veto. In addition to this, they could receive honors from the state and did not need to pay any tax on their property. This gave them immense financial power. Lastly, senators had the privilege of being consulted in matters such as war and peace. This set them apart from the general population and granted them a higher status within Roman society.
Rights of Roman Women
Women in Ancient Rome had much fewer rights than men. They could not vote or hold office and were generally considered second class citizens. However, despite this they did have some rights and privileges that they enjoyed. For example, they could own property, although they could not administer it themselves. They also had the right to enter into personal contracts such as marriage, inheritance and guardianship. This allowed them to some extent to exercise autonomy in the Roman society.
Women also enjoyed certain legal protections. For example, they had the right to ask for a divorce from their husbands and the deed had to be executed in court with mutual consent. They were also not allowed to be punished for any crime unless it was proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Lastly, women were allowed to initiate proceedings regarding legal matters relating to their families, such as adoption of children or guardianship.
Privileges for Children
Children in Ancient Rome had relatively fewer rights than adults, but they still enjoyed some privileges. For example, they were allowed to own property if it was granted to them by their parents. They also had the right to inherit property from their parents, although they could not administer it while they were minors. Furthermore, they could be adopted into any family. This allowed them to become legitimate members of upper class Roman families, thereby raising their social standing. Additionally, they had the right to request guardianship if necessary, which gave them some rights with regards to their parents’ property.
Moreover, Roman children were not subject to the same legal punishments as adults, as long as they had not reached the age of puberty. This provided them with a degree of protection from the law and allowed them to enjoy a somewhat better position than adults. Lastly, Roman children had some economic rights as they were allowed to own slaves and other possessions if they had been granted to them by a sponsor. This allowed children of wealthy parents to enjoy the same privileges, and even a higher standing, as the rest of the family.
Rights of Slaves
Slaves in Ancient Rome had few rights but still enjoyed something that could be considered a privilege. For example, they had the right to own some property, although they could not administer it themselves. Slaves also had the right to be compensated for any work they did, and were not allowed to work excessively long hours. Additionally, they could not be punished for any crime unless it was proven to be their fault.
Moreover, Roman slaves were also granted some religious freedom. They were allowed to worship gods in their own way and were sometimes even granted the right to own and work land as part of a religious service. Lastly, slaves had the right to ask for their freedom, which could be granted to them if their owner was willing to accept it.
Privileges for Non-citizens
Non-citizens, such as those who had been born outside the Roman Republic, had fewer privileges than citizens. For example, they did not have the right to vote, hold office, or own land. They could, however, still enter into contracts and own certain kinds of property, such as slaves. Additionally, they had some economic rights, such as the right to trade and make a living, as well as certain religious rights, such as the right to worship the gods in their own way.
Furthermore, non-citizens had the right to ask for patronage from a Roman citizen, which could grant them some of the privileges that citizens enjoyed. This allowed them to gain the protection of a Roman sponsor, who could then grant them certain rights and privileges. Lastly, non-citizens had some legal protection in that they were not subject to the same kinds of punishments as citizens.
Conclusion of Rights
In conclusion, it is quite obvious that members of Ancient Rome had an abundance of privileges that were unique to their status. From legal protections and access to public office to the right to own land and slaves, being a Roman citizen or having a high social standing provided a great deal of power and opportunity. Even non-citizens were provided with certain rights and privileges, allowing them to make a living and ask for patronage if necessary. Thus, the many rights and privileges that accompanied membership in Ancient Rome are still seen as powerful symbols of distinction today.
