What does the term "vicarius" refer to?

The term "vicarius" in ancient Roman culture specifically refers to a slave owned by another slave. This classification highlights the complex social structure of slavery in Rome, where slaves could be owned by other slaves, often referred to as "vicarii." In such cases, the "vicarius" was typically under the authority of a master slave, who was in turn owned by a free person. This relationship illustrates the layered hierarchy within Roman slavery, showing that even amongst slaves, there were distinctions of status and dependency.

The other choices, while relevant to Roman society and its institutions, do not align with the definition of "vicarius." A patron refers to someone who provides support or protection, often in a social or political context, while the owner of a slave indicates a free individual who possesses a slave. The client represents a person in a patron-client relationship, typically receiving aid or protection from a patron. Thus, the nuanced dynamics of slavery and ownership in Rome define "vicarius" as a slave held by another slave.