What can be said about the status of a freedman upon gaining freedom?

Upon gaining their freedom, a freedman indeed retained obligations to their former masters. In ancient Rome, even after being emancipated, former slaves often had residual ties to their owners, which could include a moral or legal sense of loyalty. This relationship, known as "patronage," typically involved the freedman owing services or respect to their former master, who, in return, might offer protection or support.

The other options do not accurately reflect the status of freedmen in Roman society. While freedmen gained certain rights, they were not considered equal to free-born citizens due to their previous status as slaves. Although some freedmen were allowed to own land, this was contingent upon various factors, and many faced restrictions regarding the extent of their property rights. Additionally, contrary to the notion that they could not engage in business, many freedmen successfully participated in trade and commerce, often thriving in various occupations. Thus, the unique obligations to former masters stand out as a defining feature of a freedman’s status.