Augustus and the Lex Aelia Sentia: Regulating Freedmen in Imperial Rome

In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna delve into the Lex Aelia Sentia of 4 CE, one of Augustus's lesser-known but far-reaching laws that regulated the manumission of slaves. They explore how the emperor sought to control who could become a Roman citizen, setting age limits for slave owners and freedmen, and creating categories like Junian Latins for those freed informally. The conversation covers the role of the manumissio vindicta, the impact on the libertus population, and how the law aimed to prevent the 'pollution' of Roman bloodlines. Lucas explains the political motivations behind the law, including Augustus's desire to maintain social hierarchy and his earlier demographic legislation. They also touch on the lex Fufia Caninia, which limited testamentary manumissions. The episode offers a nuanced look at how Rome's first emperor used legal tools to shape society, even in the intimate sphere of slavery and freedom. #Augustus #LexAeliaSentia #RomanLaw #Manumission #JunianLatins #Slavery #Freedmen #RomanCitizenship #SocialHierarchy #AugustanReforms #AncientRome #Liberti #ManumissioVindicta #LexFufiaCaninia #PaxRomana #RomanHistory #FexingoHistory #History Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo