Legal Definitions - lex Petronia

LEX PETRONIA

Lex Petronia is a law in ancient Roman law that prohibits masters from sending their slaves to fight wild beasts in the arena without the authorization of a magistrate. This law was established before A.D. 79.

For example, if a master wanted to send his slave to fight a lion in the arena, he would need to get permission from a magistrate first. If he did not get permission and sent his slave to fight anyway, he would be breaking the law.

Another example would be if a master sent his slave to fight a bear without authorization, and the slave was killed. The master could be punished for breaking the law.

These examples illustrate how the Lex Petronia law protected slaves from being sent to fight in the arena without proper authorization. It ensured that the lives of slaves were not put in unnecessary danger for the entertainment of others.