Today, being a citizen of a country entitles one to rights to vote and the right to enjoy social privileges like pensions and health care subsidies. The rules defining citizenship vary from country to country, but essentially, it is widely acknowledged that when an individual is born in a country, he automatically becomes a citizen. Yet the concept of citizenship, in ancient times was somewhat more complex; living in a country for many years did not mean you were a citizen, nor could you become a citizen just by your birthplace. So, who was a citizen, who was not? And what was the ancients' concept of citizenship?

Citizenship is being touted to have originated in Greece, which originated from the concept of democracy. Greek citizenship, though, was strict. It was granted by birth together with a double affirmation, one by the mother, another by the Assembly member. If the latter opposed it, the infant was killed. 451 BC saw the passing of even stricter citizenship laws, which proposed that offspring between Greek male citizens and foreign women could not become citizens, reason being that this move would help curb the numbers of the exploding population numbers.

Greek philosopher Aristotle defines citizenship as "he who has the power to take part in the deliberative or judicial administration of any state." Indeed, the Greeks enjoyed the privilege of being governed by democracy; their government was made up of commoners, and they were allowed freedom of speech to a large extent through public speaking rights. Thus, they were able to participate in the governing of their country by creating their own legislation and judiciary. The limiting of citizenship to selected numbers further made the role of citizens more privileged, with the monopolization of land ownership, sole rights to lease land for mining and the right to defend themselves at law.

The Romans further developed on the concept of citizenship to distinguish their original citizens (Romans) from the citizens of their conquests. Roman citizens enjoyed the right to vote, the right to serve in the civil service and the right for military service. All who were born to Roman fathers, even if they had foreign mothers, were acknowledged to be Roman citizens. Citizenship could also be granted by generals and emperors.

The expansion of the Roman empire eventually brought Roman citizenship to extend over the people of their provinces as well. Those who lived in autonomous regions could claim citizenship, but still lacked the right to vote. Latin allies who moved to live in Rome permanently were also granted citizenship. Citizenship brought about many benefits. Besides the right to vote, citizens could also enjoy government grants, and sometimes, they could be exempted from taxes and tribute payments and military service. Eventually though, citizenship became less emphasized, especially when military service became optional.

Today, citizenship, similarly, provides a list of opportunities to the individual. So what does possessing citizenship mean to an individual? What are the benefits one enjoys as a citizen? And in return, what are the responsibilities or duties the citizen has to do? In your country, what would be the criteria for citizenship, and why do you think this is so?

Greek philosopher Aristotle, who argued that citizenship should bring about a constitutional government.

One of the duties of being a citizen in the Roman empire: military service