Final answer:
The statement that a 'Protectorate' status meant peoples or areas were guaranteed Roman protection is true. The Roman Empire used protection as a means of influence, offering various levels of autonomy to regions in return for military support or trading privileges, and sometimes granted Roman citizenship. The correct option is a.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that 'Protectorate' status was a condition by which various peoples, cities, or countries were guaranteed Roman protection is TRUE.
In the Roman Empire, a protectorate was a region or people that remained officially autonomous but was actually under the heavy influence or control of Rome. Local rulers might be left in charge, but in return for the protection Rome provided, exclusive trading rights or some other benefit would often have to be given to Rome.
Notable aspects of the Roman protection included a system of alliances with foederati, foreigned states and tribes that pledged military support for semiautonomy, and the extension of Roman citizenship, which afforded various legal and political rights. This citizenship could be granted to local elites, entire communities, individuals who served the Empire, or as a right of birth to those born from Roman citizen parents.
Hence, Option a is correct.