Roman Treaties with Communities of Citizens

Abstract

In the ancient Roman world, as in modern times, treaties were usually made between sovereign states. Indeed, prior to the Social War, the foedus was a significant element in relations between Rome and the non-Latin allies (socii). However, the Romans also had treaties with Italian communities integrated to various degrees with their own state. These communities included both the Latin allies (nominis Latini) and cities possessing full or partial Roman citizenship (municipia).