Extract

Immunitas was the exemption of a community or an individual from obligations to the Roman state or of an individual from obligations to a local community. As regards Roman taxation cities acquired immunity by *lex(1) or *senatus consultum or imperial decree. Immune status was in theory permanent but in practice, especially under the empire, revocable as in the case of Vespasian's revocation of Nero's grant of libertas and immunitas to Greece (see greece, history). Temporary grants of immunity from taxation, in special circumstances (e.g. natural disasters) are also attested; they might be made either by the emperor or by the senate. See free cities.Immunity for life from Roman taxation could also be granted to individuals by lex, senatus consultum, or imperial decree. Immunity from other state services (military service, forced labour, the provision of supplies to officials or soldiers) was also granted, as by the edict of Octavian as triumvir on the privileges of veterans (FIRA 12.