Legal Definitions - lex Canuleia

LEX CANULEIA

The lex Canuleia was a law passed in ancient Rome in 445 B.C. that allowed plebeians (common people) to marry patricians (nobles).

Before the lex Canuleia, plebeians were not allowed to marry patricians. This meant that they could not form alliances with the noble families, which limited their social and political power. However, after the law was passed, plebeians were able to marry patricians and gain access to their wealth and status.

For example, a plebeian man could now marry a patrician woman and their children would be considered patricians. This allowed the plebeian family to gain social status and political influence.

The lex Canuleia was an important law in ancient Rome because it allowed for greater social mobility and political power for the plebeian class. By allowing plebeians to marry patricians, they were able to gain access to the wealth and status of the noble families. This helped to reduce the social and political divide between the two classes and promote greater equality.