Clientelism in ancient Rome. A figure as rooted as it is discussed

Abstract

Clientism in Ancient Rome was a system of social and political relations, in which reciprocity and dependence between people of different social status was the characteristic note of the relationship. The one with lower status was the client, while the one with higher status was the patron. The employer offered protection, financial support and legal assistance in exchange for the client’s services and loyalty. It was a relationship considered sacred at the time, and governed by a strong sense of obligation and moral duty. However, it was a conflictive figure marked by controversy, caused largely by social inequality caused by the privileges and benefits granted to those with political and social connections but which left others who lacked such connections disadvantaged, due to corruption. that it caused within the government and public institutions, due to political instability and the frequent abuse of power by employers over their clients. All of this perpetuated a cycle of dependence and submission that often bordered on the limits of morality. Despite its deep roots and being a central and fundamental element of the Roman society of Ancient Rome, it also inevitably became the object of continuous criticism and controversy.