Cliëntes

"Cliëntes" is a term of Latin origin, meaning "clients" or "dependents." In ancient Roman society, a client was a free citizen who depended on a patron for protection and support. In return, the client would provide services and loyalty to the patron. This relationship was a fundamental aspect of Roman social and political life, influencing everything from legal matters to military service. Patrons often held considerable influence and power, while clients formed a significant part of their social network. The system of patronage was hierarchical, with clients themselves potentially having their own clients. This reciprocal arrangement, known as "clientela," helped to maintain social order and provided a framework for personal relationships and obligations. Over time, the term "client" has evolved and its meaning has broadened considerably in modern usage. Today, it is commonly used in professional contexts to refer to individuals or organizations who receive services from another party, such as a lawyer's client, a therapist's client, or a company's client. The core concept of a service provider-recipient relationship remains, though the formal social and political structures of ancient Rome are no longer associated with the term.