paterfamilias

In ancient Roman society, the paterfamilias was the male head of a household, essentially the father of the family. This figure held significant legal power known as patria potestas, or "power of the father". This authority extended over his children, descendants in the male line, and adopted family members, regardless of their age.1234

Originally, the paterfamilias had the power of life and death over his family members and controlled all their property. Over time, this power lessened, particularly the right to inflict capital punishment, and sons gained more rights to their own earnings. A daughter would leave her father's power upon marriage if she came under her husband's authority (manus). The paterfamilias's power typically ended only with his death, though he could voluntarily emancipate a child.24