In ancient Greece, especially in Classical Athens, the term metic (Greek Metoikos) meant immigrant, resident alien, a person who did not have citizen rights in their Greek city-state (polis) of residence - including freed slaves (like somewhere between a visitor and citizen). Metics were found in most states, excluding Sparta, typically as merchants, slaves, and artists. They were a significant source of manpower and skilled labor.
The Metic was represented before the Athenian law by his prostates (patron). They were a recognized part of the community and specially protected by law, although subject to restrictions on marriage and property ownership. The known legal term of metic in Classical Athens, should not be applied to Archaic and Hellenistic Athens (See Metic)
They were a recognized part of the community and specially protected by law, although restricted in marriage and property ownership.
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