What did the expression "civis Romanus sum" mean?

Question: What did the expression "civis Romanus sum" mean!?

Did it mean, among other things, that if you were a Roman citizen, you could travel the world in security, knowing that if any other country messed with you, the Roman army would come and rescue you!?Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

It meant I am a citizen of the city of Rome!. It didn't mean the legions would necessarily come charging to your rescue if you found yourself in a sticky situation with some barbarians!. It did mean , however, that certain courtesies were extended to you by the local officials and that you could not be executed by cruxifixion!. Quite how you proved the statement, however, has always puzzled me!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Civis Romanus sum is a Latin locution meaning I am a Roman citizen, that indicated membership in Roman civilization and implied, in a wider sense, all the rights (and duties) associated with such a state (Cicero, In Verrem II!.v!.162)!.

A phrase repeated with pride by many Latin important figures, it was put forward in order to assert the privileges granted to Roman citizens!. Even prisoners were allowed to take advantage of that prerogative, and subsequently they were granted favorable treatment!. Paul of Tarsus, under trial and appealing to the Emperor, claimed his right as a citizen to be tried in Rome, and the judicial process was suspended until he, in chains and escorted by guards, was carried to the capital city (Acts 22, 27)!.

The locution was quoted by Lord Palmerston who claimed on 1850-06-25 that every British citizen in the world should be protected by the British empire like a Roman citizen abroad by the Roman empire!.

The locution was then quoted by U!.S!. President John F!. Kennedy in his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech in West Berlin, on June 26, 1963:

“ Two thousand years ago the proudest boast was 'civis Romanus sum'!. Today, in the world of freedom, the proudest boast is 'Ich bin ein Berliner'!.
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