[187] The client was considered as a member of the family and bore its name.

[188] But he was not a proper member of the family or _gens_, because his pedigree never ascended to a _pater_ or the head of a _gens_.

[189] It was incumbent on the patron to protect the client, and guard his interests both in peace and war.

The client participated in the household and Gentile sacrifices and worshipped the gods of the _gens_.

[190] At first the people of Rome consisted of three classes, the patricians, the clients and the plebeians.