Paterfamilias

The term “Paterfamilias” is a Latin word that means “father of the family” in English. In the Roman legal system, it referred to the head of the household, usually the oldest male member, who held significant authority over his family, including his wife, children, and dependents. The paterfamilias had legal power over the family’s property, finances, and decisions about marriage, inheritance, and other important matters. This concept was crucial in shaping the structure of Roman society and family dynamics.