Settetes

Settetes is a term that appears in historical texts, particularly those relating to ancient Roman social structures. It is generally understood to refer to a class of freedmen who, after gaining their liberty, still retained certain obligations or ties to their former masters. These obligations could be varied, ranging from financial support to continued service in specific capacities. The precise nature of the settetes' status often depended on the terms of their manumission, the legal process by which a slave was freed.

The existence of settetes highlights the nuanced social hierarchy of ancient Rome. While freedmen achieved a new social standing, they were not always entirely free from their past. The relationship between a freedman and their former master, often referred to as patronage, was a significant aspect of Roman society. Settetes represented a category within this system where the transition to full freedom was not absolute. Evidence suggests that the legal framework surrounding settetes evolved over time, reflecting changing economic and social conditions within the Roman Republic and Empire. Understanding the settetes provides insight into the complex dynamics of freedom, obligation, and social mobility in the ancient world.