It is a well-known story that the English word "citizenship" for citizenship comes from the word "Tibitus" for Roman citizenship, and it is very difficult to tell what Roman citizenship was like when talking about Roman history. is important.
So this time we talk about "Roman citizenship".
It was in the Roman citizenship system that Rome became the strongest nation!
It can be said that the political system of Rome has set an example for the current political system.
There have been several countries in the past that have become larger than Rome.
However, it is no exaggeration to say that no country has influenced the history of posterity more than Rome.
There are many good aspects to the Roman political system, but the best one is probably Roman citizenship.
When comparing the Greek and Roman political systems, some have pointed out that this area of "citizenship" is the most different.
Greece, whether in Athens or Sparta, is reluctant to put other ethnic groups inside. Rome actively absorbs and incorporates other ethnic groups of different races, languages, religions, and nationalities. Later historians also say that this is the reason why Rome was the strongest.
Rome already had such a history from its origins. Romulus, who is said to have founded Rome, had already taken in the Sabines inside, and the second king, Numa, was even a Sabines.
Yamakawa's textbook states that "Romans were under the control of the Etruscans but became independent," but I personally think that part is incorrect.
The Romans basically focus more on being able to guide the country correctly than on where they come from.
The last three kings of Roman kingdom were Etruscans, but it would be wrong to say that Rome was ruled by the Etruscans.
Although the story is off, it can be said that Rome is a country that actively accepts and absorbs other ethnic groups from the founding of the country, and that is what led to the development of Rome.
Characteristics of Roman citizenship
The content of Roman citizenship naturally varies from time to time, but the basic content has not changed much.
・ Private property is guaranteed and free to buy and sell regardless of whether it is a Roman citizen or real estate.
・ If you are a Roman citizen, you have the right to vote and eligibility. Eligible to be tried
・ Obliged to serve in the military from 17 to 45 years. Obliged to serve as a reserve force until 60 years
Roman citizens were guaranteed suffrage and property rights while being obliged to serve in the military. This is basically the same as the citizenship of Athens, but the major differences between Rome and the citizenship of Athens are as follows.
・ Freedman is given Roman citizenship
・ Freedman's children are given Roman citizenship
・ Roman citizenship is obtained by investment
In Athens, citizenship could only be obtained if the parents were from Athens. It's surprising that even the famous Aristotle didn't have Athens citizenship.
On the other hand, Rome is flexibly changing its area according to the times.
In particular, releasing citizenship to freed slaves is a big difference, and it is also a big difference that you can buy citizenship if you pay more money.
The "Social War" that took place in the first century of the civil war was a war that demanded Roman citizenship, which extended Roman citizenship to cities on the Italian Peninsula.
Roman citizenship was most expanded during the time of Empire Karakala in the early 3rd century, when the Constitutio Antoninus decree granted Roman citizenship to all free people living in the Roman Empire, including provinces. The value of Roman citizenship has plummeted, and the Roman Empire will rapidly weaken.
The story of Emperor Karakala is another opportunity, but basically the expansion of Roman citizenship also means the expansion of armaments.
The more Roman citizens, the more troops. As with Athens, equipment and other equipment had to be covered at their own expense, so the cost was low and the army could be maintained. Travel costs can be reduced by installing highways, and the Roman army is becoming more and more powerful.
During the time of Augustus, the people of the provinces were able to apply for auxiliary units, and after being discharged from the military due to maturity, they were able to obtain hereditary Roman citizenship, and the Roman army became even more powerful.
Personal evaluation and impression of Roman citizenship
The issue of immigration is exactly what modern developed nations are facing, and Japan is no exception.
In EU countries such as France and Germany, it is a big problem that can ruin the country.
It is interesting that both countries that follow the flow of Rome are suffering from immigration problems, but just as the United States, which assimilate immigrants even today, is strong, the world that can take in other peoples is the strongest. It can be said that it is the flow of history.
Economic and military benefits are not the only benefits of such tolerance and absorption into different ethnic groups. There are also benefits such as knowledge and skills. Einstein's asylum in the United States is a typical example.
It can be said that it is a kind of providence that Rome and the United States become the strongest nations.