MUNICIPIUM

A '''municipium''' (pl. ''municipia'') belonged to the second highest class of Roman cities, being inferior in status to the colonia. The first ''municipium'' was Tusculum. The distinguishing characteristic of the municipium was self-governance.

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2 orders of the municipia

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2 orders of the municipia

The citizens of municipia of the first order held full Roman citizenship and their rights (civitas optimo iure) included the right to vote, which was the ultimate right in Rome, and a sure sign of full rights.
The second order of municipia comprised important tribal centres which had come under Roman control. Residents of these did not become full Roman citizens (although their magistrates could become so after retirement). They were given the duties of full citizens in terms of liability to taxes and military service, but not all of the rights: most significantly, they had no right to vote.
Executive power in ''municipium'' was held by four annually elected officials, composed of two duumvirs and two aediles, all under the thumb of Roman rule. Advisory powers were held by the decurions, appointed members of the local equivalent to the senate. In later years, these became hereditary.
The only known municipium in Brittania was St. Albans, then called Verulamium.

External links

★ Classic Encyclopedia-- Municipium