{"id":3790,"date":"2023-03-28T04:06:53","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T03:06:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=3790"},"modified":"2023-03-28T04:06:53","modified_gmt":"2023-03-28T03:06:53","slug":"how-did-citizenship-develop-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/how-did-citizenship-develop-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"How did citizenship develop in ancient rome?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In ancient Rome, citizenship was a social contract between the ruler and the ruled. The ruler provided protection and security in exchange for the ruled’s loyalty and obedience. This contract was first established in the city-state of Rome. The concept of citizenship then spread to the Roman Empire. In the empire, citizenship was based on property ownership and birth. Over time, citizenship became a symbol of social status. The wealthy elites were the only citizens with full rights and privileges. The poor and working class were excluded from citizenship. This created a two-tiered society in which the rights and duties of citizens were not equal.<\/p>\n

In ancient Rome, citizenship was developed as a result of the gradual incorporation of the Italian peoples into the Roman state. This process was completed by the end of the first century BC, when all the Italians were granted citizenship. Prior to that, citizenship had been limited to the small number of freeborn men who were able to participate in the Roman political system.<\/p>\n

How did the Romans use citizenship? <\/h2>\n

The privileges enjoyed by full citizens were wide-ranging: They could vote in assemblies and elections; own property; get married legally; have their children inherit property; stand for election and access public office; participate in priesthoods; and enlist in the legion.<\/p>\n

In 212 CE, the Roman Emperor Caracalla finally granted citizenship to all free inhabitants of the Roman Empire, ending the piecemeal policies that had governed the past two centuries of Roman history. This move was a significant moment in the history of the Roman Empire, as it opened up citizenship to a much wider range of people. This new policy would have a lasting impact on the Empire, shaping its social and political structure for centuries to come.<\/p>\n

What were the key characteristics of Roman citizenship <\/h3>\n