Saltus

saltus [′sal·təs]

(control systems)

oscillation

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Saltus 

in ancient Rome, a large tract of forest, pasture, and virgin soil on state land leased to private individuals; a saltus had an area of 5,000 jugers or more (1 juger equals approximately 2,500 m²). The leasing of salti became especially widespread in the provinces—primarily in Africa—during the imperial period; many salti belonged to the emperor. Large domains, the equivalent of latifundia, were later also called salti. Parts of the salti were cultivated by slaves and parts were turned over to major proprietors (conductores), who sublet small plots to coloni (indigenous commune peasants, slaves, and freedmen). According to a law enacted under Emperor Hadrian (second century), lessees of neglected lands of the emperor’s salti were given rights and privileges nearly equal to those of owners. The salti of the emperors and senators did not belong to city territories and were not subject to taxes; their populations were not under the jurisdiction of the city magistrates—the so-called exempt salti—which made the coloni of these salti more dependent on the landowners.

REFERENCES

See references under COLONATUS.