Tabula patronatus

In ancient Rome, a tabula patronatus was a tablet, usually bronze, displaying an official recognition that an individual was a municipal patron.

[1] Patronage of a city was a political extension of the traditional relationship (clientela) between a patron (patronus or patrona) and client (cliens).

The primary responsibilities of the patron of a town (municipium or colonia) were to advocate for local interests at Rome; to help negotiate legal disputes within the community, especially those that might arise from conflicts between local and Roman law; and to act as a benefactor in endowing public works, religious dedications and foundations, and entertainments.

[3] The foundation charter published as the Lex Ursonensis included regulations on patronage.

[4] An inscription found in Rome in AD 222 refers to the patronage of Colonia Clunia Sulpicia.