Legal Definitions - diarium

In ancient Roman law, a diarium referred to a daily allowance provided to an individual, typically in the form of food or provisions, but sometimes as a monetary payment, intended to cover their daily needs.

• Example 1: A Roman Legionary's Rations

  Imagine a Roman legionary stationed at a remote frontier outpost. Each day, the military administration would distribute a specific quantity of grain, oil, and other basic foodstuffs to him and his comrades. This daily allocation of provisions, essential for their sustenance and ability to perform their duties, would be considered their diarium.

  This illustrates the concept of a diarium as a regular, daily provision of food, ensuring an individual's basic needs were met by an authority or employer.

• Example 2: A Craftsman's Daily Sustenance

  Consider a skilled craftsman hired by a wealthy Roman citizen to complete a complex mosaic in their villa. Instead of receiving a large payment only at the project's completion, the patron might arrange for the craftsman to receive daily meals and perhaps a small sum of money each day to cover other immediate necessities like tools or materials. This daily provision of food and minor funds would constitute his diarium.

  Here, the diarium is shown as a daily allowance, combining both food and a small monetary payment, provided to a worker to cover their living expenses while engaged in labor.

• Example 3: An Official's Travel Expenses

  Suppose a Roman official was dispatched from Rome to a distant province to conduct an inspection or deliver an important message. For the duration of their journey and stay, the state might grant them a daily sum of money. This daily payment was intended to cover their food, lodging, and other essential expenses incurred while fulfilling their official duties away from home, serving as their diarium.

  This example highlights the diarium as a daily monetary allowance, specifically allocated to cover the recurring costs associated with travel and official responsibilities.