Atilius (freedman)

In Roman society, the name Atilius frequently appears, and while many individuals bearing this name belonged to the gens Atilia, a Roman family of considerable antiquity, this entry specifically concerns a freedman named Atilius.

As a freedman (Latin: libertus or liberta, feminine), Atilius was a former slave who had been granted his freedom by his owner. The act of manumission conferred upon him a status between slave and freeborn citizen. While he was personally free and could own property, engage in business, and enter into contracts, Atilius would still have certain obligations towards his former master (the patronus). These obligations varied but commonly included continuing to provide certain services or showing deference to the patron. The specific details of Atilius' life, such as his former owner, the type of work he performed, or the circumstances of his manumission, are unknown without further historical documentation.

The significance of identifying Atilius as a freedman lies in understanding the complex social stratification of Roman society. Freedmen occupied a vital economic niche, often excelling in trades, commerce, and even certain administrative roles. While facing social stigmas and political limitations (they could not hold magistracies), they could accumulate wealth and influence, and their children would be born free citizens. Further research into Roman prosopography and specific inscriptions or documents mentioning an Atilius with indications of servile origin would be necessary to provide a more detailed account of his life.