Paterfamilias
Definition
The paterfamilias refers to the male head of a Roman household who held absolute power over his family members. He had authority over his wife, children, slaves, and property.
Related terms
Materfamilias: The female head of a Roman household who had some authority but not as much power as the paterfamilias.
Patria Potestas: The legal power that the paterfamilias held over his family members.
Familia: Refers to both immediate and extended family members under the authority of the paterfamilias.
"Paterfamilias" appears in:
Study guides (1)
AP Latin - 1.1 Vergil, Aeneid, Book 1, Lines 1-209
Are you a college student?
Study guides for the entire semester
200k practice questions
Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab
About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
Stay Connected
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
About Us
About Fiveable
Blog
Careers
Code of Conduct
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
CCPA Privacy Policy
Resources
Cram Mode
AP Score Calculators
Study Guides
Practice Quizzes
Glossary
Cram Events
Merch Shop
Crisis Text Line
Help Center
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.