THE DAILY FORUM

Rome · 762 AUC

In the consulship of Marcus Papius Mutilus and Quintus Poppaeus Secundus

Augustus Announces New Measures to Encourage Marriage and Larger Families

Lex Papia Poppaea strengthens rewards for parents and penalties for unmarried and childless citizens, as Princeps warns that Rome cannot take future generations for granted

By Lucius Marcius
Senior Political Correspondent

ROME — Roman citizens will face stronger incentives to marry and raise children under new legislation introduced this year, as the government steps up efforts to address what Princeps Augustus described as a long-term threat to the continuity of Roman families and the state.

The Lex Papia Poppaea, sponsored by the suffect consuls Marcus Papius Mutilus and Quintus Poppaeus Secundus, expands an existing framework of rewards for marriage and parenthood while tightening restrictions affecting those who remain unmarried or have no children.

The measures build on the Lex Julia de maritandis ordinibus, introduced 27 years ago as part of Augustus’s wider programme to strengthen marriage, legitimate families and traditional Roman social order.