Page:Roman Constitutional History, 753-44 B.C..djvu/22

8 his children were Roman citizens; to acquire, manage, and dispose of property according to Roman law (jus commercii); to sue (jus actionia), with the liability of being sued; and to make a testament and inherit property (jus testamenti faciendi and hereditatum). Furthermore, they possessed various other rights and advantages, which were secured through treaties with foreign states or otherwise.

Duties of Citizens.—The civic duties were: to serve in the army; to aid in constructing public works — ditches, walls, and buildings ; to undertake the king's commissions; and to pay the public taxes. Military service was the most important of the obligations of the citizens. Perhaps their collective name of Quirites means warriors (from quiris, a spear). The army consisted possibly of three hundred horsemen (celeres), commanded by one or more officers. (tribuni celerum), and three thousand infantry, in charge of three officers (tribuni militum). The legion (legio), or phalanx, of infantry was levied in case of need; the horsemen formed a permanent corps, and were consequently held in higher esteem.

The Clients.—The clients were slaves that had practically been freed, resident foreigners who were granted public or private protection, and the inhabitants of places conquered by Rome. A client belonged to the family and clan of his patron (patronus) and participated in the religious worship. In the family he occupied almost the position of a son, and was subject to a similar authority. He might be allowed by his patron to possess and till a parcel of land, was obliged to follow him in war, and in general to obey and assist him. The relation of client and patron was hereditary, and was based, not on statute law, but on good faith and custom. The client was, strictly speaking, not a citizen. In