Enemy of the State (Roman Religion)

In Roman religion, an "Enemy of the State" (hostis publicus) was an individual viewed as a threat to the Roman Republic or Empire, often due to political or personal conflicts. Such persons could be declared enemies through formal processes, leading to their persecution or execution without the usual legal protections. This designation was used to eliminate rivals, suppress opposition, or protect state interests, blending legal and religious authority. Essentially, calling someone an enemy of the state combined political judgment with religious legitimacy, branding their actions or beliefs as harmful not only socially but also against the divine order upheld by Roman religion.