Proscription facts for kids

Proscription is a strong official order that declares someone an enemy. This often meant they were exiled (sent away from their home) or, in some cases, even sentenced to death. It also meant their property could be taken away.

The idea of proscription started in Ancient Rome. Here, the government could officially say that a person was an "enemy of the state." This was a serious declaration that could lead to severe consequences for the person and their family.

What is Proscription?

Proscription is like a public announcement that someone is no longer protected by the law. It's a way for a government or powerful group to get rid of people they see as a threat. This could be because of their political beliefs or simply because they are rivals.

How Proscription Worked in Rome

In Ancient Rome, proscription lists were sometimes made public. These lists named people who were declared enemies. Anyone could then harm or even kill those on the list without facing punishment. Their belongings, like land and money, would often be taken by the state.

Famous Roman Proscriptions

One well-known example happened during the Roman Republic. Powerful leaders like Sulla and later Mark Antony used proscription. They used it to remove their political opponents and take their wealth. This was a very harsh way to control power.

Proscription Beyond Rome

Even though the term started in Rome, the idea of proscription has been used in other times and places. It describes similar actions where governments try to silence or remove people who disagree with them. It's a way to stop different ideas from spreading or to get rid of people who are seen as rivals.

Images for kids

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  The Proscribed Royalist, 1651, painted by John Everett Millais around 1853. It shows a woman hiding a Royalist who was declared an enemy.

See also

In Spanish: Proscripción para niños