Second-Rate Citizens: Junian Latins and the Constitutio Antoniniana
Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data
Level 5 by design analogy (historical legal analysis and conceptual commentary without empirical human data).
OpenAlex W2287150476 · doi:10.1177/1023263x1201900202
What was done
This historical and legal analysis examined the 212 AD Constitutio Antoniniana (Caracalla's grant of Roman citizenship) and compared its structure to the introduction of European Union citizenship in 1992 and 1997. The author assessed imperial chancery precedent, legal continuity, and the specific status of freedmen (Junian Latins).
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical data. The analysis contends that the Constitutio Antoniniana did not grant unconstrained universal citizenship to all free inhabitants, but rather extended limited citizenship to Junian Latins while keeping them dependent on former masters, thereby serving as an integrative tool without disrupting the Roman social order.
Why it matters
The paper provides historical context for supranational and complementary citizenship models, arguing that large-scale citizenship grants historically function by complementing rather than overturning established social and legal structures.
Limits
This is a theoretical, historical legal essay without empirical or quantitative data. The abstract does not detail the primary source materials or analytical methodology used.
Cited by
- supports In 212 AD, Emperor Caracalla issued the Constitutio Antoniniana, extending Roman citizenship to virtually all free inhabitants across the empire.