Obscratum

Obscratum is a term used in the context of ancient Roman law and society to refer to a person who was not a Roman citizen. The term is derived from the Latin word "obscurus," meaning "obscure" or "unknown," and "civis," meaning "citizen." In Roman law, the status of an obscurus was distinct from that of a peregrinus, who was a foreigner with a treaty or alliance with Rome, and a civis Romanus, who was a full Roman citizen.

Obscuri were individuals who lacked Roman citizenship and were not considered full members of the Roman state. They were often subject to different legal and social restrictions compared to Roman citizens. For example, they could not hold certain public offices, serve in the Roman army, or participate in Roman political life. However, the legal status of obscuri varied depending on the specific circumstances and the laws of the time.

The term obscratum is primarily of historical interest and is not commonly used in modern legal or social contexts. It provides insights into the complex social and legal structures of ancient Rome, highlighting the distinctions and hierarchies within Roman society.