Patronage

Question 1

How the system worked

Answer 1

A patron would help his client to find work, recommend him for jobs, give him money and gifts etc. In return the client would do things fro their patron, and praise them at all times.

Question 2

Duties of a patron

Answer 2

To provide a sportula to their clients.
Advise him if he were in trouble.
Help him find work.
Give him small gifts.
An ex-slave automatically became the client of his master.
Worked in place of a state benefit system.

Question 3

Duties of a client

Answer 3

A client was required to visit his patron early every day for the salutatio, where he would receive a sportula (food or money).
A client had to dress formally in his patron’s presence, and address him as ‘domine’.
A client would also perform various tasks and errands for his master.