Question

The father in an ancient Roman family was legally allowed to

sell his children into slavery.
sell his wife to another husband.
claim his wife’s public office as his own.
claim a second wife if his current wife could not have children.

Answer 1

sell his children into slavery.

Under the patria potestas the paterfamilias had near‑absolute authority over his household, including the legal power to sell his children (though this power was later limited). He could not legally sell his wife, claim her public office, or take a second wife.