Vigilati

Vigilati is a term of Roman origin, referring to a class of freedmen who served in various official capacities within the Roman Empire. These individuals were former slaves who had been granted their freedom and subsequently entered into the service of the emperor or other high-ranking officials. Their roles were diverse and often administrative in nature, contributing to the functioning of the imperial bureaucracy.

The vigilati held positions such as scribes, messengers, treasury officials, and even supervisors of public works. Their access to information and their ability to execute tasks made them valuable assets to the state. While they were no longer slaves, their social status remained below that of freeborn citizens, though their positions often afforded them considerable influence and a degree of respect. The system of vigilati allowed the Roman administration to utilize skilled individuals while maintaining a hierarchical social structure. The term itself, derived from "vigilare" meaning "to be watchful," hints at the diligent and observant nature expected of those in these service roles. Their contributions, though often in the background, were integral to the administrative machinery of the vast Roman Empire.