In ancient societies, what term describes free men who could be citizens?

• A. Citizens
• B. Slaves
• C. Women
• D. Foreigners

Answer: (A)

Citizenship is the status that defined who could take part in a city’s public life. In many ancient societies, the perk of being free and male came with political rights and responsibilities, such as voting, holding office, and participating in assemblies or councils. Those who enjoyed these privileges were called citizens.

This distinction sets citizens apart from slaves, who had no political rights; foreigners living in a city (often called outsiders ormetics in some places) who were not granted full rights; and women, who, in most ancient systems, did not have the same political privileges as male citizens. So the term that best describes free men who could participate as members of the political community is citizens.