famuli

Famuli were a class of dependent persons in ancient Roman society. Their status was distinct from that of slaves, as famuli were not considered property in the same way. While they were bound to a master and performed various services, they often possessed certain rights and could own property, which was not typically the case for slaves. The precise nature of their legal standing varied over time and depending on the specific circumstances of their bondage.

The term "famuli" could encompass a range of individuals. It often referred to household servants, agricultural laborers, and other workers who were tied to a particular patron or landowner. Their position was frequently hereditary, passed down through generations. Unlike slaves who were often acquired through conquest or purchase, famuli might enter into their status through debt, voluntary agreement, or as a consequence of being born into a family of famuli.

The relationship between a master and their famuli was characterized by obligations on both sides. The master provided sustenance, shelter, and protection, while the famuli owed labor and loyalty. In some instances, famuli could be manumitted, gaining their freedom. The existence of famuli highlights the complex social and economic structures of ancient Rome, where various forms of unfree labor existed alongside more conventional forms of employment.