Spqr
Senatus Romanus Populusque currency (meaning often abbreviated as the acronym SPQR, was the emblem of the Roman Republic , then by tradition of the Roman Empire. More than any other symbol, these four letters represented the Roman political power.
It symbolized the union of the Roman Senate , the descendants of the companions of Romulus , the founder of the City and the Roman people, the essential component in an amount of the Republic, all Roman citizens.
It was this motto as a symbol on public monuments, like the pediments of temples and triumphal arches. It was probably also used on military banners. Generally, any imperial achievement was likely to be covered in this currency.
The letters SPQR are still part of the crest of the city of Rome and are still inscribed on buildings, manholes and the city's public works.
Popular culture
- The Italian translation of Asterix alluded to the fact that the expression SPQR can also be understood as Sono Pazzi Questi Romani (" They are crazy, those Romans! ").
- In the film Gladiator (2000), the main character, Maximus Decimus Meridius, Roman general fallen, tries to erase the tattoo SPQR he wears on his left shoulder with the sharp edge of a seashell.
- In the French series Kaamelott , Arthur, King of Britain, has been branded the SPQR on ball of right foot at the age of 6 years. References
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