User:Hennin10/Jus trium liberorum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The ius trium liberorum, meaning “the right of three children” in Latin[1], was a privilege rewarded to Roman citizens whom had borne at least three children or freedmen who had borne at least four children[2]. It was a direct result of the Lex Iulia and the Papia Poppaea, bodies of legislation introduced by Augustus in 18 BCE and 9 BCE, respectively[3]. These bodies of legislation were conceived to grow the dwindling population of the Roman upper classes. The intent of the ius trium liberorum has caused scholars to interpret it as eugenic legislation[4]. Men who had received the ius trium liberorum were excused from munera. Women with ius trium liberorum were no longer submitted to tutela mulierum and could receive inheritances otherwise bequest to their children[5]. The public reaction to the ius trium liberorum was largely to find loopholes, however. The prospect of having a large family was still not appealing[6]. A person who caught a citizen in violation in this law was entitled to a portion of the inheritance involved, creating a lucrative business for professional spies[7]. The spies became so pervasive that the reward was reduced to a quarter of its previous size[8]. As time went on the ius trium liberorum was granted to those by consuls as rewards for general good deeds, holding important professions or as personal favors, not just prolific propagation[9]. Eventually the ius trium liberorum was repealed in 534 CE by Justinian[10].