Proscribunt

Proscribunt is a Latin term that translates to "they outlaw" or "they banish." In historical Roman context, it referred to a public declaration that an individual was an outlaw, effectively forfeiting their rights and citizenship. Those proscribed could be legally killed without consequence, and their property was often confiscated by the state. This practice was particularly prominent during periods of political turmoil in the Roman Republic and early Empire, notably during the proscriptions of Sulla and later by the Second Triumvirate.

The purpose of proscriptions was often to eliminate political enemies, seize wealth, or reward loyal supporters. Individuals placed on the proscription lists faced extreme danger, with bounties sometimes offered for their capture or death. Families of the proscribed also suffered, often being ostracized and losing their social standing and inheritance. While the practice was a brutal tool of political control, its implementation varied over time and depending on the specific rulers involved. It represented a stark example of the arbitrary exercise of power in ancient Rome, where the state could unilaterally strip individuals of their legal protections and even their lives.