What term describes a freed slave in the context of Ancient Rome?

The term that describes a freed slave in the context of Ancient Rome is "libertinus." This word specifically refers to an individual who was once a slave but has been granted freedom, which is a significant status change in Roman society. Once freed, a libertinus would often maintain a complex social and legal relationship with their former master, although they were not entirely equal to freeborn citizens.

Understanding this term within the Roman cultural framework is important as it underscores the complexities of social hierarchies and the nuances of freedom and servitude. Freed slaves could engage in various professions and contribute to the economy, but they often faced social stigma and limitations compared to free citizens. This context helps illuminate the broader social dynamics in Rome, particularly regarding class and individual agency.

The other choices refer to different aspects of Roman society: "servus" means slave, "custos" translates to guard or keeper, and "dominus" refers to master or lord. These terms highlight different roles within the sociopolitical structure of ancient Rome, but they do not accurately describe the status of a freed slave, making "libertinus" the only correct choice.