SPQR

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SPQR or S.P.Q.R., an initialism for Script error: No such module "Lang". (Script error: No such module "IPA".; transl. "The Senate and People of Rome"), is an emblematic phrase referring to the government of the Roman Republic. It appears on documents made public by an inscription in stone or metal, in dedications of monuments and public works, and on some Roman currency.

The full phrase appears in Roman political, legal and historical literature, such as the speeches of Cicero and the Script error: No such module "Lang". (Books from the Founding of the City) of Livy.

Translation

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In Latin, Senātus is a nominative singular noun meaning "Senate". Populusque is compounded from the nominative noun Populus, "the People", and -que, an enclitic particle meaning "and" which connects the two nominative nouns. The last word, Rōmānus ("Roman"), is an adjective modifying the whole of Senātus Populusque: the "Roman Senate and People", taken as a whole. Thus, the phrase is translated literally as "The Roman Senate and People", or more freely as "The Senate and People of Rome".

Historical context

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The title's date of establishment is unknown, but it first appears in inscriptions of the Late Republic, from around 80 BC onwards. Previously, the official name of the Roman state, as evidenced on coins, was simply ROMA. The abbreviation last appears on coins of Constantine the Great (ruled 312–337 AD), the first Roman emperor to support Christianity.[citation needed]

This signature continued in use under the Roman Empire. The emperors were considered the de jure representatives of the people even though the senātūs consulta, or decrees of the Senate, were made at the de facto pleasure of the emperor.[citation needed]

Populus Romanus in Roman literature is a phrase meaning the government of the People. When the Romans named governments of foreign states, they used populus in the singular or plural, such as populi Priscorum Latinorum, "the governments of the Old Latins". Romanus is the established adjective used to distinguish the Romans, as in civis Romanus, "Roman citizen".[citation needed]

The Roman people appear very often in law and history in such phrases as dignitas, maiestas, auctoritas, libertas populi Romani, the "dignity, majesty, authority, freedom of the Roman people". They were a populus liber, "a free people". There was an exercitus, imperium, iudicia, honores, consules, voluntas of this same populus: "the army, rule, judgments, offices, consuls and will of the Roman people". They appear in early Latin as Popolus and Poplus, so the habit of thinking of themselves as free and sovereign was quite ingrained.[citation needed]

The Romans believed that all authority came from the people. It could be said that similar language seen in more modern political and social revolutions directly comes from this usage. People in this sense meant the whole government. The latter, however, was essentially divided into the aristocratic Senate, whose will was executed by the consuls and praetors, and the comitia centuriata, "committee of the centuries", whose will came to be safeguarded by the Tribunes.[citation needed]

File:Arms of the City of Rome (Armorial Le Breton, 1400s).jpg
Medieval depiction of the coat of arms of Rome, c.1400

One of the ways the emperor Commodus (180–192) paid for his donatives and mass entertainments was to tax the senatorial order, and on many inscriptions, the traditional order is provocatively reversed (Populus Senatusque...).[citation needed]

Medieval use

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Beginning in 1184, the Commune of Rome struck coins in the name of the SENATVS P Q R. From 1414 until 1517, the Roman Senate struck coins with a shield inscribed SPQR.

Modern use

Even in contemporary usage, SPQR is still used in the municipal coat of arms of Rome and as abbreviation for the comune of Rome in official documents.[1][2] The Italians have long used a different and humorous expansion of this abbreviation, "Sono Pazzi Questi Romani" (Template:Lit).[3] SPQR is also part of the coat of arms of the Capital Military Command of the Italian army (Italian: Comando Militare Capitale).

File:Roma-Stemma-2.svg
Modern coat of arms of Rome

In business, in English-speaking countries, SPQR is sometimes (humorously) used to mean "Small Profits, Quick Returns", often by people who have studied Latin at school.[4]

Civic references

SPQx is sometimes used as an assertion of municipal pride and civic rights. The Italian town of Reggio Emilia, for instance, has SPQR in its coat of arms, standing for Script error: No such module "Lang".. There are historic usages of the deployment of the "SPQx" format in various other cities and towns:

City Country SPQx Latin Where has it been used Image
Alkmaar Netherlands SPQA On the façade of the Waag building
Amsterdam Netherlands SPQA Script error: No such module "Lang".[5] At the Stadsschouwburg theater on Leidseplein[6] and some of the bridges[5] File:Imperial Crown and the letters SPQA on bridge detal in Amsterdam.jpg
Antwerp File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQA Script error: No such module "Lang". On Antwerp City Hall and other public buildings and schools[7] File:SPQA - the Antwerp Take-Off on Antiquity - panoramio.jpg
Ascoli Piceno File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQA Script error: No such module "Lang". On the wall above the south loggia of the Piazza del Popolo
Basel File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland SPQB Script error: No such module "Lang". On the Webern-Brunnen in Steinenvorstadt[8]
Benevento File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQB[9] Script error: No such module "Lang".[9] On manhole covers[9]
Bologna File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQB Script error: No such module "Lang". On the Fountain of Neptune
Bremen File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany SPQB In Bremen City Hall.[10]
Bruges File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQB On its coat of arms[11]
Brussels File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQB Script error: No such module "Lang". (of the city) or Script error: No such module "Lang". (of the country) Repeatedly on the Palace of Justice,[12] over the main stage of the Royal Theatre of La Monnaie,[citation needed] and on the ceiling of the hemicycle of the Belgian Senate in the Palace of the Nation.
Capua File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQC
Catania File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQC On manhole covers
Chicago File:Flag of the United States.svg United States SPQC Script error: No such module "Lang". Chicago On the George N. Leighton Cook County Criminal Courthouse[13]
Dublin File:Flag of Ireland.svg Ireland SPQH Script error: No such module "Lang". On the City Hall, built in 1769
Florianópolis File:Flag of Brazil.svg Brazil SPQF[9] Script error: No such module "Lang".[9]
Franeker Netherlands SPQF At the a gate on the Westerbolwerk and Academiestraat 16[14]
Freising File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany SPQF Above the door of the town hall
Ghent File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQG Script error: No such module "Lang". On the opera house, theatre and some other major buildings, inscribed on a shield on coins struck in Ghent in 1583, during the Dutch Revolt[15] File:Gent Sint-Christoffelkapel SPQG.jpg
Groningen Netherlands SPQG Above the entrance of the Der Aa-kerk File:Groningen (stad), Der Aa-kerk in Groningen. 13-06-2022. (actm.) 01.jpg
The Hague Netherlands SPQH Above the stage in the Koninklijke Schouwburg
Hamburg File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany SPQH On a door in the city hall (Hamburg Rathaus)[16] File:2011-06-22-hh-buergerschaft-by-RalfR-04.jpg
Hanover File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany
Haarlem Netherlands SPQH On the façade of the town hall at the "Grote Markt"
Hasselt File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQH
Hindeloopen Netherlands SPQH Senatus Populusque Hindelopia[17][18] On a stone pole next to the Oosterdijk, a road between Hindeloopen and Workum.
File:S.P.Q.H.jpg
Istanbul File:Flag of Turkey.svg Turkey SPQC Script error: No such module "Lang".
Kortrijk File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQC Script error: No such module "Lang". On the City hall
Kraków File:Flag of Poland.svg Poland SPQC Senatus Populusque Cracoviensis Over the Waza Gate in Wawel Castle File:Kraków 1644.jpg
La Plata File:Flag of Argentina.svg Argentina SPQR On a monument outside of the city's casco urbano
Leeuwarden Netherlands SPQL Script error: No such module "Lang". On the mayor's chain of office[19]
Leuven File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQL Senatus Populusque Leuvensis Over the painting of Jesus in the back reception room inside Leuven Town Hall
Liverpool File:Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg United Kingdom SPQL Script error: No such module "Lang". On various gold doors in St George's Hall[20] File:SPQL.JPG
City of London File:Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg United Kingdom SPQL Script error: No such module "Lang". On historic variants of the City's coat of arms[21][22]
Lübeck File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany SPQL Script error: No such module "Lang". On the Holstentor[23] File:Luebeck Holtstentor Detail E 2879 201409.jpg
Lucerne File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland
Madrid File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain SPQM Script error: No such module "Lang". On the Fuente de Apolo [es], built in 1780
Milan File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQM The Holy Roman Emperor Charles V struck coins at Milan with the inscription Script error: No such module "Lang"..[24]
Modica File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQM On the coat of arms[25]
Molfetta File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQM On the coat of arms[26]
Naples File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQN Script error: No such module "Lang". Inscribed on a shield on coins struck during Masaniello's 1647 revolt[27]
Noto File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQN Script error: No such module "Lang". On the coat of arms[28] and the façade of Noto Cathedral.
Nuremberg File:Flag of Germany.svg Germany SPQN Script error: No such module "Lang". On the Charles Bridge (one of the major bridges over river Pegnitz in the inner city)[29] File:Nürnberg Karlsbrücke Obelisk Chronogramm.jpg
Oudenburg File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQO Script error: No such module "Lang". On its water pump next to the market square[30]
Olomouc File:Flag of the Czech Republic.svg Czech Republic SPQO[9] Script error: No such module "Lang". On the coat of arms[31] File:Coat of arms of Olomouc, city in the Czech Republic.svg
Palermo File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQP [32]
Penne, Abruzzo File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQP [32]
Pontecorvo File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQF Used as motto for municipal coat of arms
Rieti File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQS Script error: No such module "Lang". On the coat of arms, present also in the modern composite Lazio coat-of-arms
Rotterdam Netherlands SPQR Mural in the Burgerzaal of Rotterdam City Hall File:20080423 Rotterdam Stadhuis Burgerzaal Pricker SPQR1.jpg
Severn Beach File:Flag of the United Kingdom (1-2).svg United Kingdom SPQR On the crest of Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Council
Seville File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain SPQH Script error: No such module "Lang". On the historic banner of the city
Siena File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQS On the base of a statue of the Capitoline Wolf[33]
Solothurn File:Flag of Switzerland (Pantone).svg  Switzerland SPQS Script error: No such module "Lang". On the Cathedral of St Ursus and Victor
Terracina File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQT [34]
Tivoli, Lazio File:Flag of Italy.svg Italy SPQT [35]
Toruń File:Flag of Poland.svg Poland SPQT Senatus Populusque Thorunensis On the City Hall[36]
Valencia File:Flag of Spain.svg Spain SPQV Script error: No such module "Lang". In several places and buildings, including the Silk Exchange[37] and the University of Valencia Historic Building.[38]
Verviers File:Flag of Belgium (civil).svg Belgium SPQV On the Grand Theatre[39]
Vienna File:Flag of Austria.svg Austria SPQV[9] Script error: No such module "Lang".[9] Above the main entrance of the civic armoury (Bürgerliches Zeughaus) at Am Hof, with a dedication to Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI (Imperante Carolo VI. instauravit)[40] File:Am Hof Zeughaus.jpg
Winschoten Netherlands SPQW[41] Script error: No such module "Lang". On the façade of the municipal office (stadhuis) of Oldambt[41] File:Senatus Populesque Winschotanus (SPQW), Winschoten (2024) 04.jpg
Workum Netherlands SPQW On a stone pole next to the Oosterdijk, a road between Hindeloopen and Workum.
File:S.P.Q.W.jpg

References

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  1. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Roma Capitale – Sito Istituzionale – Home" (in italiano). Archived from the original on 18 October 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  2. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."OGGETTO: Revoca deleghe Consigliera Nathalie Naim" (PDF) (in italiano). S.P.Q.R. – ROMA CAPITALE – MUNICIPIO ROMA CENTRO STORICO. 2 February 2011. Archived (PDF) from the original on 29 October 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2019.
  3. ^ See, e.g. Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.von Hefner, Otto Titan [in Deutsch] (1861). Handbuch der theoretischen und praktischen Heraldik. Munich. p. 106.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  4. ^ Script error: No such module "template wrapper". (Subscription or participating institution membership required.)
  5. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Heraldic symbols of Amsterdam". Livius. 2 December 2006. Archived from the original on 10 December 2006.
  6. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.de Cleen, Marjolein (24 February 2023). "Stadsschouwburg Leidseplein" (in Dutch). Retrieved 6 May 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unrecognized language (link)
  7. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Woesinger (5 January 2007). "SPQA". Flickr. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  8. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Webern-Brunnen" [Webern Fountain]. Basler Brunnenführer (in Deutsch). 1 January 2003. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  9. ^ a b c d e f g h Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Rome – Historical Flags (Italy)". Flags of the World. 14 November 2003. Archived from the original on 8 February 2007. Retrieved 6 February 2007.
  10. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.International Council on Monuments and Sites (2003). "Evaluations of Cultural Properties" (PDF). UNESCO. pp. 39–42. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  11. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Crest of Brugge". Heraldry of the World. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  12. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."SPQB sign on the court of Justice of Brussels". Eupedia. Archived from the original on 17 April 2010. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  13. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."The Senate and People of Rome". Northwestern University. Retrieved 14 October 2025.
  14. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Franeker". gevelstenen.net. Archived from the original on 27 January 2018. Retrieved 26 January 2018.
  15. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Carew Hazlitt, W. Coinage of the European Continent. p. 216.
  16. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Hamburg". Nefers Hapiland (in Deutsch). Archived from the original on 3 November 2008. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
  17. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Wat is de betekenis van De grenspaal in Hindeloopen". www.ensie.nl. Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  18. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.DBNL. "Hindeloopen (Hylpen) (gemeente Nijefurd), Monumenten in Nederland. Fryslân, Sabine Broekhoven, Saskia van Ginkel-Meester, Chris Kolman, Yme Kuiper, Ronald Stenvert". DBNL (in Nederlands). Retrieved 14 July 2025.
  19. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."De Ambtsketen Van De Burgemeester" [The Mayor's Office]. gemeentearchief.nl (in Nederlands). Archived from the original on 19 July 2011.
  20. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Coslett, Paul. "St George's Hall". BBC Liverpool. Archived from the original on 25 September 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  21. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Corporation of London Records Office. "The City Arms" (PDF). cityoflondon.gov.uk. The Corporation of the City of London. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 September 2011. The letters SPQL [Script error: No such module "Lang". – literally, The Senate and People of London] also occasionally appear in imitation of the SPQR of ancient Rome.
  22. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Brunet, Alex (2013) [1839]. Regal Armorie of Great Britain. London: Forgotten Books. pp. 156–7.
  23. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Roberto (1 March 2007). "Holstentor – SPQL: Senatus Populusque Lubecensis". Flickr. Archived from the original on 9 December 2019. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  24. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Potter, W. J. The Coinage of Milan. p. 19. coin 4.
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  26. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Molfetta". Heraldry of the World. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
  27. ^ Italian Coinage Medieval to Modern, The Collection of Ercole Gnecchi, coin 3683
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  31. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Olomouc". Heraldry of the World. 20 August 2023.
  32. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.mypixbox (5 December 2007). "SPQP". Flickr. Archived from the original on 4 November 2012. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  33. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Moree (17 June 2008). "SPQS". Flickr. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  34. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Dilke, O. A. W.; Dilke, Margaret S. (October 1961). "Terracina and the Pomptine Marshes". Greece & Rome. II:8 (2). Cambridge University Press: 172–178. doi:10.1017/S0017383500014406. ISSN 0017-3835. OCLC 51206579. S2CID 162727396.
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  38. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.Gallardo, Elena (27 September 2008). "SPQV". Flickr.
  39. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Le Grand-Théâtre de Verviers". bestofverviers.be (in français). Archived from the original on 12 November 2014.
  40. ^ Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content."Wien 1, Am Hof, Bürgerliches Zeughaus".
  41. ^ a b Page Module:Citation/CS1/styles.css has no content.B.H. Schipper (Eltjo) (14 June 2011). "Stadhuis 115 jaar - Op 15 juni 1896 werd het huidige Stadhuis aan de Langestraat van gemeente Oldambt in gebruik genomen" (in Nederlands). Winschoter Archief. Retrieved 24 December 2024. S.P.Q.W. Senatus Popules Que Winschotanus – (Raad en Volk van Winschoten).

Further reading

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Look up SPQR in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

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Library resources about
SPQR

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