Legal Definitions - libertini

Term: Libertini
Definition: Libertini were a group of people in ancient Rome who were former slaves or their descendants. They were not considered full citizens and had limited rights. They were often discriminated against and faced social and legal restrictions. The term "libertini" comes from the Latin word "libertus," which means "freedman."
Examples: A freed slave who became a successful businessman in Rome would be considered a libertini. However, even though he was free, he would not have the same rights as a Roman citizen. He would not be allowed to vote or hold public office. Another example would be the children of a freed slave. They would also be considered libertini and would face the same social and legal restrictions as their parents. These examples illustrate how libertini were a distinct group in Roman society who faced discrimination and limited opportunities despite being free.