Client (ancient Rome)

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In ancient Roman society, a client (Latin, cliens) was a plebeian who was sponsored by a patron benefactor (patronus, a predecessor to the Italian padrino, godfather). The patron assisted his client with his protection and regular gifts; the client dedicated his vote whenever the patron or his associate was up for election.

This right of patronage was established by Romulus, to unite the plebians and the patricians together, in such a manner that one might live without envy, and the other without contempt. However, the condition of a client, over the course of time, became little else but a moderate kind of slavery.

By degrees, the custom extended itself beyond Rome; and not only families, but cities, and entire provinces, even out of the Italian Peninsula, followed the example. Thus, Sicily, for example, put itself under the clientela, or protection of Marcus Claudius Marcellus.

Lazius and Budaeus refer the origin of fiefs and tenures to the patrons and clients of Ancient Rome; however, the difference between the relation of vassals and their lords, and that of clients and their patrons, is fairly considerable. In addition to the respect a client showed his patron, and the vote he gave him, a vassal was also obliged to assist his lord in all affairs; and even pay his ransom, if he should be taken prisoner of war, in the case that the lord was not able to provide it himself.

The Latin word cliens is formed of the earlier cluens, "hearing", in the sense that such an individual is at the call of his patron.

References

• "Client". Oxford English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. 2nd edition. 1989.

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