connubium

Connubium is a Latin term referring to the legal right of marriage between Roman citizens and, in certain periods, between citizens and foreigners. In ancient Rome, connubium was not automatically granted to all unions. It signified a legitimate marriage that produced legitimate offspring and conferred specific legal rights and obligations upon the couple. This legal status was crucial for inheritance, property rights, and the social standing of the family.

Initially, connubium was restricted to citizens marrying other citizens. However, over time, the laws evolved. During the Republic, marriages between Roman citizens and Latin allies or even some peregrini (foreigners) could be recognized with connubium under specific circumstances. The absence of connubium meant that a union, while perhaps socially recognized, lacked legal standing. Children born from such unions were not considered legitimate and did not inherit from their father.

The concept of connubium highlights the legal and social distinctions that existed within the Roman world. It was a key element in defining citizenship and its associated privileges. The ability to enter into a marriage with connubium underscored a person's status and their integration into the Roman legal framework. The evolution of connubium laws reflected the changing social and political landscape of Rome, particularly its interactions with other peoples.