Ingenui

In Roman society, ingenui (plural of ingenuus) referred to individuals who were born free citizens of Rome. This status distinguished them from liberti (freedmen), who were formerly slaves but had been granted their freedom.

Characteristics of an Ingenuus:

• Birthright: The defining characteristic of an ingenuus was their free birth. Their parents had to be Roman citizens and free at the time of their birth.
• Citizen Rights: Ingenui possessed full Roman citizenship rights from birth, including the right to vote (though practical limitations applied based on class), hold public office (subject to certain property and other qualifications), and own property.
• Social Status: Being an ingenuus conferred a higher social status than being a libertus, even if the freedman had become wealthy and influential. This distinction often manifested in social interactions and opportunities.
• Legal Protections: Ingenui enjoyed the full protections of Roman law applicable to citizens.

Distinction from Liberti (Freedmen):

The contrast with liberti is crucial. While freedmen could acquire citizenship, they were always marked by their former slave status. Certain social stigmas could remain attached to them and their descendants, and restrictions on their participation in certain public roles existed. While liberti could become very wealthy and influential, they could not entirely escape their past. Ingenui faced no such limitations from birth.

Historical Significance:

The distinction between ingenui and liberti reflects the importance of birthright in Roman society. While manumission provided a path to citizenship for slaves, the social hierarchy and legal framework consistently privileged those who were born free. The preservation of this distinction was a significant element of Roman social structure.