Peregrinus

Peregrini (from Latin peregrinus — foreigner, stranger) were free inhabitants of the Roman Empire who did not possess Roman citizenship. They were primarily members of tribes conquered by Rome and residing on the outskirts of the empire, in Roman provinces. Peregrini constituted a significant portion of the empire’s population and played an important role in its economic and social life.

Peregrini were deprived of the right to use ius civile (Roman civil law), which regulated legal relationships among Roman citizens. However, they could engage in legal relationships with Roman citizens through ius gentium — the law of nations, a universal legal concept applied to all free people, regardless of their status in Rome. This meant that peregrini could enter into marriages, contracts, and other agreements with Roman citizens, though they did not have access to all the legal rights and privileges enjoyed by citizens.

The legal status of peregrini occupied an intermediate position between that of ordinary foreigners and Roman citizens. They were not entitled to participate in the political life of Rome, could not hold public office, or serve in the legions, but in other respects, they were free people. Within their provinces, they continued to follow their own legal systems, which preserved their cultural identity and allowed them to adhere to traditional customs and norms of behavior.

Peregrini were able to maintain their local traditions and customs, including language, culture, and religion. In some cases, they even retained forms of local self-government, though under Roman supervision.

Courts that handled disputes between Roman citizens and peregrini based their decisions on the principles of ex aequo et bono — fairness and common sense, which allowed for judgments that considered the interests of both parties. This was particularly important in situations where the laws for Roman citizens and peregrini could differ significantly.

Over time, many peregrini could obtain Roman citizenship through various services to the empire, such as military service in the auxiliary troops (auxilia), where after 25 years of service, peregrini could receive citizenship for themselves and their descendants. Citizenship could also be granted for outstanding services to the empire or as a result of colonizing new lands.

A significant event in the history of the legal status of peregrini was the Edict of Caracalla (Constitutio Antoniniana), issued in 212 CE by Roman Emperor Caracalla. This edict granted Roman citizenship to all free inhabitants of the Roman Empire, effectively eliminating the legal distinction between citizens and peregrini. This decision was driven by both economic and political motives: expanding the tax base and strengthening loyalty to the emperor among the inhabitants of the provinces.

Peregrini played a vital role in the economy of the Roman Empire, engaging in agriculture, crafts, trade, and other economic activities. They ensured the functioning of rural estates, produced goods, and participated in their distribution throughout the empire. Given that the Roman Empire was a multiethnic state, peregrini contributed significantly to the cultural diversity of the empire, preserving their languages, customs, and religious practices.

Peregrini were a significant and influential group within the Roman Empire, and their legal and social status reflected the complex relationship between the conquerors and the conquered peoples. Although they did not have the full rights of Roman citizens, their status gradually evolved, and eventually, they became equal members of imperial society.

Related Topics:

Roman Empire, Women in Ancient Rome, Men's clothing in Ancient Rome