SPORTULAE Meaning and
Definition
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Sportulae is a Latin word that refers to small baskets or trays that were commonly used in ancient Rome. The concept of sportulae was derived from the Latin term "spargere," which means to scatter, and it was used to describe the distribution of food or gifts to clients or dependents by their patrons. In Roman society, clients were typically individuals of lower social status who would seek the guidance, support, and protection of a patron or higher-ranking individual. Sportulae played a significant role in the relationship between patrons and their clients.
Sportulae were usually made of wicker or other light materials and were designed to hold food, such as bread or fruit, and sometimes even small amounts of money. The practice of giving sportulae was a form of reciprocity and obligation in Roman society, reinforcing the social hierarchy and ensuring the loyalty and dependence of clients on their patrons.
The distribution of sportulae often occurred during special occasions, such as public events or private gatherings, and could be a way for patrons to exhibit their wealth, status, and generosity. The sportulae were usually presented to the clients by the patron's servants or slaves.
Today, the term sportulae is often used to describe the concept of patronage or the exchange of gifts, but it remains most closely associated with the ancient Roman custom of distributing food or gifts in small baskets or trays.
Common Misspellings for SPORTULAE
- sportulate
- sportul
- sportula
- aportulae
- zportulae
- xportulae
- dportulae
- eportulae
- wportulae
- soortulae
- slortulae
- s-ortulae
- s0ortulae
- spirtulae
- spkrtulae
- splrtulae
- spprtulae
- sp0rtulae
- sp9rtulae
- spoetulae
Etymology of SPORTULAE
The word "sportulae" is derived from Latin. In ancient Rome, a sportulae was a small gift or token of gratitude given to clients or dependents by their patrons. It was typically a small sum of money or food, such as bread or cakes.
The term "sportulae" itself is the diminutive form of the Latin word "sporta", which means "basket" or "tray". This word was used to refer to the custom of giving small gifts or donations in a woven basket or tray to the clients or dependents.
The tradition of distributing sportulae was prevalent during the Roman Empire, particularly among the upper classes and their clientele. It served as a means of maintaining social connections and reinforcing the hierarchical structure of Roman society.
