Clients

In ancient Rome a Client was a plebeian who lived under the patronage of a patrician. The Clients were usually peasant farmers who rented land. The Clients were peasant farmers who rented land. They would follow a certain patron and perform political duties, including assassinations, and lying in court, if it would help further his patron's political career. In return, the client often received money, a job, or an invitation to dinner at the patron's house. A dinner invitation may not seem like much to us today, but in Roman times it could mean a great place in society if he appeared at the right dinner parties. His prestige in society would be much more enhanced if he were seen by the rich and famous at only one dinner party hosted by a powerful patron.

This patron-client relationship led to many interesting situations in ancient Rome. Sometimes candidates for various government magistracies would travel around Rome with several hundred or even a few thousand of their clients.