Documents show two different terms for the concept of a freedman: ἀπελεύθερος (apeleútheros) and ἐξελεύθερος (exeleútheros); according to Harpocration (p.31 Bk), the latter referred not to those born as slaves, but to the freeborn sons of slaves. Pollux uses Demosthenes' terms nómoi exeleútheroi and nómoi apeleútheroi in his list of terminology on the topic of slavery. Thus, it is clear that the two terms refer to groups with different legal status. It also shows that private manumission…
Cite this page
Cartledge, Paul A. (Cambridge) and
Heinrichs, Johannes (Bonn),
“Freedmen”, in:
Brill’s New Pauly, Antiquity volumes edited by: Hubert Cancik and , Helmuth Schneider, English Edition by: Christine F. Salazar, Classical Tradition volumes edited by: Manfred Landfester, English Edition by: Francis G. Gentry.
Consulted online on 19 May 2022 <http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1574-9347_bnp_e414740>