Page:Historical introduction to the private law of Rome (IA historicalintrod00muiriala).pdf/38

8 that must not be lot sight of in noting the conditions that accelerated or retarded its progress.

It was very early in the history that Rome gave promise of its future eminence. Successful in one petty war after another, it deprived many small communities of their independent existence, leaving their members bereft alike of their religion, their territory, and their means of existence. These had to turn elsewhere for protection, and in large numbers they sought it from their conquerors. To many others, both voluntary immigrants and refugees from other cities, the new settlement proved a centre of attraction. It was quite ready to receive them; but as subjects only—not as citizens. Following a custom familiar to both Latins and Sabines, the new-comers invoked the protection of the heads of patrician families of repute, to whom they attached themselves as free vassals. The relationship was known as that of patron and client. It made the latter an independent member of his patron's, and thus indirectly brought him into relation to the state. But it was to his individual patron that he looked primarily for support and maintenance, and to him that his allegiance and service were due in the