See BANISHMENT.

Among the Romans, the word *exilium* properly signified an interdiction or exclusion from water and fire; the necessary consequence of which was, that the interdicted person must betake himself into some other country, since there was no living without fire and water.—Thus Cicero, *ad Herenn.* observes, that the form of the sentence did not express *exilium*, but only *aqua et ignis interdictio*. The same author remarks, that exile was not properly a punishment, but a voluntarily flying or avoiding the punishment decreed: *Exilium non esse supplicium, sed perfigium, partusque supplicii*. He adds, that there was no crime among the Romans, as among other nations, punished with exile; but exile was a resource to which people flew voluntarily, in order to avoid chains, ignominy, starving, &c.

The Athenians frequently sent their generals and great men into exile, out of envy of their merits, or distrust of their too great authority. See OSTRACISM.