Some remarks on the legal status of Thespian's children in ancient Rome

Abstract

This paper shows the legal position of the children of actors and/or actresses in ancient Rome. The descendants of people from lower social classes, or engaged in the profession considered by the Romans as shameful (as actors, gladiators, prostitutes) were seen in the same way that their parents. It may be that their position was independent of their status familiae. It seems that the acting profession made by one or both parents had a big impact on the legal position of children, regardless of whether they were born in or out of wedlock. This influence has taken different forms, but was always manifested in the limitations of the rights of children.