What is civis romanus sum?

"Civis Romanus sum" is a Latin phrase which translates to "I am a Roman citizen." This phrase was famously used by Roman citizens as a declaration of their rights and protections guaranteed under Roman law. The concept of Roman citizenship was highly valued in ancient Rome and provided individuals with certain legal privileges, including the right to a fair trial, protection from certain forms of punishment, and the right to appeal to the Roman authorities for assistance.

The phrase "Civis Romanus sum" became particularly well-known for its association with an incident involving the Roman orator Cicero. In 63 BC, Cicero delivered a speech in defense of a man named Gaius Verres, who was accused of corruption while serving as the governor of Sicily. Cicero recounted a story of a Roman citizen who was being mistreated in Sicily, and when he declared, "Civis Romanus sum," he was granted protection and his rights were respected.

The phrase has since come to symbolize the idea of the rights and privileges afforded to citizens of a particular nation or state, and has been used in various contexts to emphasize the importance of protecting the rights of individuals.