SPQR - what does the abbreviation mean? Abbreviation SPQR. What does this mean for the culture of Ancient Rome? What is Rome

S.P.Q.R. - a Latin abbreviation that was depicted on the standards of the Roman legions and was used in the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.

Coat of arms of Rome.

Currently used in the coat of arms of the city of Rome, it is also depicted on many city buildings and manholes.

Exact value The abbreviation S.P.Q.R. most likely had archaic origins even in the times Ancient Rome.

S almost certainly stands for the first letter of the word Senatus - "Senate".
The origin of P is ambiguous; different researchers see it as the first letter of the words Populus or Populusque, “people” and “and people,” respectively.

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) Romulus, conqueror of Acron

The origin of Q is also a matter of debate; it meant either que - “and”, or Quirites, or Quiritium. Both of the latter - plural from Quiris "warrior with a spear", but also "citizen", which was derived from the name Quirinus, originally a Sabine deity, whose sanctuary was located on the Quirinal, one of the seven hills on which the city arose. After Romulus concluded peace with the Sabines, Quirinus entered the Roman pantheon of gods. The deified Romulus was revered under the name Quirinus.

In honor of Quirinus, Roman citizens called themselves Quirites. Quirinus is the god of the people’s assembly, hence the full name of the Romans “Roman people of the Quirites” (Populus Romanus Quiritium) (used in official addresses). In later times, the cult of Quirin, pushed aside by the cult of Jupiter and Mars, did not play a special role. But the name “quirita” was preserved.

Etching by Vaclav Hollar.

R most likely stands for Romae, Romanus or Romanorum, which translates to "Rome", "Roman" or "Romans", respectively.

All these meanings lead to the following options for deciphering the abbreviation S.P.Q.R.:

Senatus Populusque Quiritium Romanus
o The Senate and citizens of Rome, where Quiritium comes from Quiris - “citizen”.

Detail of a mosaic floor in Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II in Milan

You can give several more less consonant translations, but more accurately conveying the meaning of the phrase:

o “The Senate and the free people of Rome” (some historians attribute the word “quirite” to mean “free”).
o “The Senate and people of the Quirites of Rome” (the fact is that “Quirite”, in fact, is a term denoting a citizen of Rome, and has no analogues in the Russian language).
o “The Senate and the Civil Population of Rome.”

Senatus Populusque Romanus

O Senate and people of Rome. This version was used from the founding of the Roman Republic and continued to be used throughout the Roman Empire. In this form it appears on most famous monuments and documents.


On the Arch of Titus.
Remarkable examples of this are the Arch of Titus, built around 81 AD. e. to honor Titus and his father Emperor Vespasian. This version can also be found on Trajan's Column, which was built in 113 AD. e. as a sign of respect to Emperor Trajan.

SPQR in Arezzo.

It should be remembered that all citizens without exception were liable for military service. The concept of "people of Rome" also included women and children (but not slaves). However, these latter, unlike adult men, did not have full civil rights.

In 1998, the organization New Rome was created.

flag of New Rome.

Nova Roma(New Rome)— international organization, dedicated to the revival of ancient Rome, created in 1998 in the USA (or in MMDCCLI a.u.c. according to the Roman calendar) by Flavius ​​Vedius Germanicus and Marcus Cassius Crassus. Registered as educational and religious non-profit organization. Nova Roma "aims to restore classical Roman religion, culture and virtues." The declaration signed by the founders of the organization reads:

We, the Senate and People of the Fourth Rome, for the sake of restoring the foundations of European civilization, declare the creation of the Fourth Rome as a sovereign state. We proclaim Nova Roma an independent state and republic, with its own Constitution and legitimate Government, with all the international rights and obligations that such status carries with it...

At the ruins of an ancient Roman altar.

Because Nova Roma has a structure derived from the ancient Roman Republic, with a Senate, magistrates, and laws passed by vote, and because its members call themselves citizens of New Rome or simply Romans, the organization is often classified as a micronation. However, many of its members consider its educational and religious functions to be more important than the reconstruction of the state.

Nova Roma holds gatherings and festivals for its citizens, where, often in historical costume, they discuss ancient culture, practice Latin, visit historical places.

Nova Roma members also have their own Roman names, used at festivals, when conducting business within the organization, and when communicating on online forums. For beginners, there is a censor-provided guide to choosing a Roman name.

As of January 2008, Nova Roma has approximately 1,000 members worldwide, with a further 1,600 who have not been in contact with the group during the past year but have the opportunity to renew their membership if they wish by contacting censors.

A Latin abbreviation that was depicted on the standards of Roman legionaries and was used in the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire. Currently used in the coat of arms of the city of Rome, it is also depicted on many city buildings and manholes. Benito Mussolini often used SPQR to promote his regime.

The exact meaning of the abbreviation S.P.Q.R. most likely had archaic origins even in ancient Roman times.
S almost certainly stands for the first letter of the word Senatus - "Senate".
The origin of P is ambiguous, with different researchers seeing it as the first letter of the words Populus or Populusque, "people" and "and people", respectively.
The origin of Q is also a matter of debate; it meant either que - “and”, or Quіrіtes or Quіrіtіum. Both last words means "warrior with a spear." At the beginning of Rome, all its citizens were soldiers.
R most likely stands for Romae, Romanus or Romanorum, which translates to "Rome", "Roman" or "Roman", respectively.

All these meanings lead to the following options for deciphering the abbreviation S.P.Q.R.:
Senatus Populus Quіrіtіum Romanus

Senate and citizens of Rome, where Quіrіtіum comes from Quіrіs - “citizen”.
Senatus Populusque Romanus

Senate and people of Rome. This version was used from the founding of the Roman Republic and continued to be used throughout the Roman Empire. In this form it appears on most famous monuments and documents. Remarkable examples of this are the Arch of Titus, built around 81 AD. e. to honor Titus and his father Emperor Vespasian. This version can also be found on Trajan's Column, which was built in 113 AD. e. as a sign of respect to Emperor Trajan.

It should be remembered that a citizen of Rome had to fight for the Roman Republic. The concept of "people of Rome" also included women, children and perhaps even slaves. All these people were part of the people of Rome, but were not citizens of the Roman Republic. That is why citizens could also be called Quіris - “warrior with a spear.”

All this points to the ancient origins of the abbreviation S.P.Q.R., most likely in the era of the Roman kings or even earlier.

Inscription on the Arch of Titus.

The abbreviation S.P.Q.R. also often used in the minting of Roman coins, both during the Republic and the Empire. In Rome and the Roman provinces, this sign was located on all government buildings; it was stamped on the armor and weapons of Roman soldiers. The mere sight of this symbol of the power and greatness of Rome struck fear into enemies. Now this symbol is considered the symbol of the city of Rome and can be found in the city hall and on sewer manholes in Rome.

One of the features of Rome, we can say it business card is the inscription SPQR. Of course, one can say that there are not enough inscriptions in Rome, there are not enough peculiarities. For example, on old houses, numbers are often indicated in Roman numerals (well, that’s logical - where would they be in large numbers, if not in Rome, hehe). Nevertheless, the abbreviation SPQR seems more interesting to me, and besides, having noticed it once, you begin to notice it everywhere in the future.
For example, under my feet (I generally like to look at sewer manholes and for some time now I’ve been actively photographing them when I travel):

But not only hatches - for example on trash cans:

On various pillars:

Yes, even like this - in the form of tablets:

What does this mysterious combination of letters mean? Nobody knows for sure!
The exact meaning of the abbreviation S.P.Q.R. most likely had archaic origins even in ancient Roman times. Well, that is, there is a standard version - that this is an abbreviation of the phrase “Senatus Populus Que Romanus” (“Senate and citizens of Rome”, literally “The Senate and citizens are Rome”). But this is not certain.
- S almost certainly means the first letter of the word Senatus - “Senate”.
- The origin of P is ambiguous; different researchers see here the first letter of the words Populus or Populusque, “people” or “and people”, respectively.
- The origin of Q is also a matter of debate; it meant either que - “and”, or Quirites, or Quiritium. Both of the latter are the plural of Quiris "warrior with a spear", but also "citizen", which comes from the name Quirinus, originally a Sabine deity whose sanctuary was located on the Quirinal, one of the seven hills on which the city arose. After Romulus concluded peace with the Sabines, Quirinus entered the Roman pantheon of gods. The deified Romulus was revered under the name Quirinus. In honor of Quirinus, Roman citizens called themselves Quirites. Quirinus is the god of the people’s assembly, hence the full name of the Romans “Roman people of the Quirites” (Populus Romanus Quiritium) (used in official addresses). In later times, the cult of Quirin, pushed aside by the cult of Jupiter and Mars, did not play a special role. But the name “quirita” was preserved.
- R most likely stands for Romae, Romanus or Romanorum, which translates to "Rome", "Roman" or "Roman", respectively

All these meanings lead to the following options for deciphering the abbreviation S.P.Q.R.:
- Senatus Populus Quiritium Romanus
Senate and citizens of Rome, where Quiritium comes from Quiris - "citizen".
You can give several more less consonant translations, but more accurately conveying the meaning of the phrase:
“The Senate and the free people of Rome” (some historians attribute the word “quirite” to mean “free”).
“The Senate and people of the Quirites of Rome” (the fact is that “Quirite”, in fact, is a term denoting a citizen of Rome and has no analogues in the Russian language).
"The Senate and the Civil Population of Rome".

Senatus Populusque Romanus
Senate and people of Rome. This version was used from the founding of the Roman Republic and continued to be used throughout the Roman Empire. In this form it appears on most famous monuments and documents. Remarkable examples of this are the Arch of Titus, built around 81 AD. e. to honor Titus and his father Emperor Vespasian.

Currently, the inscription SPQR is used in the coat of arms of the city of Rome (the inscription was included in the official coat of arms of Rome in the 14th century), and is also depicted on many city buildings and manholes. During the Risorgimento period, this abbreviation began to be used in the symbolism of the revived Italian state; it can be found on Italian posters of the First World War. Benito Mussolini often used SPQR to promote his regime.

In a word, we say “SPQR” and we mean “Rome” - you can use this entry, for example, in hashtags if you want to give the impression of an advanced tourist who knows all sorts of peculiarities. Although personally, for example, I prefer all sorts of hashtags with jokes (for example, I used the entry “RimNash!”, hehe)

Almost all tourists, walking around Rome, pay attention to the abbreviation S.P.Q.R., which is placed almost everywhere where the eye falls: on the coat of arms, houses, monuments, ancient columns and on all hatches. You get the feeling that you are walking through a sealed city :) For those who don’t know yet, I’ll tell you what these 4 mysterious letters mean.

The official interpretation of S.P.Q.R. from Latin “Senatus Populus que Romanus” has been known since 509 BC. (year of the founding of the Roman Republic) and translates as “Senate and People of Rome.”

According to another version, the abbreviation stands for “Senatus Populus Quiritium Romanus”, but is translated in the same way - “Senate and citizens of Rome”. This interpretation takes us back to the times of Romulus and famous story with the abduction of the Sabine women. After the conflict between the Romans and the Sabines was settled peacefully, the latter settled on the Quirinal Hill. Together with the dwellings in the new place, they erected a sanctuary in honor of the god Quirinus, whom the Romans also began to venerate. Since then, the people of Rome began to be officially called the “Roman people of the Quirites,” i.e. "Populus Romanus Quiritium".

In addition to the two most common versions, there were many more interpretations that arose in different centuries depending on political events, the reign of popes and the mood of the townspeople. As an example, the following options can be given:

"Sapiens Populus Quaerit Romam" - A wise people loves Rome.

“Salus Papae Quies Regni” - If the Pope is in health, then everything is calm in the kingdom.

"Sanctus Petrus Quiescit Romae" - Saint Peter rests in Rome.

Cinematography also did not stand aside and offered a couple of its own interpretations, which were not very pleasant for the Romans. The hero of the popular comedy Asterix deciphered S.P.Q.R. like “Sono Pazzi Questi Romani!”, that is, “These Romans are crazy,” and another character in an Italian comedy said “Sono Porci Questi Romani” - “These Romans are pigs.”

Let me give you a little advice: when leaving the eternal city, buy some souvenir with the abbreviation S.P.Q.R. as a souvenir, and a piece of Rome will always be with you :)

The abbreviation S.P.Q.R. directly related to the history of Ancient Rome. IN different times it was resorted to for political purposes or as a symbol of the Renaissance. A striking example is the reign of Benito Mussolini. What S.P.Q.R. means, what significance was attached to it at different times, can be understood by touching the history preserved by monuments of architecture and sculpture, writing and oral folk art, applied arts, as well as household items.

Translation problems

Linguistic scientists and historians have not come to final opinion about deciphering this abbreviation. It is safe to say that the modern translation is only approximate, as researchers understand it based on the knowledge they have modern science. It is worth noting that the principles of scientific statements are not always observed in deciphering some riddles.

What does S.P.Q.R mean? Senatus Populus Quiritium Romanus. Literal translation from Latin - "Senate and citizens of Rome." There is a very high probability that the phrase can be constructed differently. For example, "The Senate and the Free People of Rome." The first two letters S and P were unanimously recognized as abbreviations of words: S - senatus ("Senate"), P - populous ("people"). There are no problems with the fourth and last one either. Surely this is R (romanus - “Roman”). The main debate revolved around the meaning of the letter Q. It can be translated as que - “and”. Or you can substitute the meaning Quirites, or quirit, meaning “citizen”. In ancient Rome, the concepts of “citizen” and “free people” were not identical. This can be clearly seen if we take a closer look at the question of what Roman citizenship gave.

What does SPQR mean in Rome

On the territory of the Roman Empire there were two laws: Roman and Latin. Initially, Latin law was vested in the indigenous population - the Italics; later it even extended to the allies of the barbarians. Although the Latins were personally free, they were not considered full citizens. They had no right to vote or serve in the legion.

There was another one distinctive feature Roman citizens, of which there remains a memory from catchphrases Latin language. Noli me tangere. Civis Romanus sum ("Don't touch me. I am a Roman citizen"). Even the last beggar lying on the sidewalk boasted of his Roman citizenship. It guaranteed him freedom from flogging, torture and many other troubles. Moreover, such a right ensured immunity outside Rome. Therefore, citizenship was given great importance, hence the letter Q most likely means quirites, or citizens. If we take this version as a basis, then it explains perfectly what S.P.Q.R. means.

Roman society, with its patriarchal structure, gave even slaves the right to own property. They often bought their freedom for fabulous money, subsequently becoming even richer than their own. former owners, but did not enjoy a full position in society.

Civil rights during military service

Another convincing argument in favor of the “citizens” version can be considered the legal status of the legion’s soldiers. Serving was an honorable duty for the Romans, a necessary condition to advance your career in the field civil service. The citizen received the necessary weapons at his own expense, so there was a certain property price when recruiting. Evasion of military service was punishable by death or slavery.

What does SPQR mean for Roman troops? On their standards it is a symbol of the exclusivity of the state. The conquerors did not just go to conquer peoples, robbing everyone in their path. They carried their culture new order, way of life, law. Bonded by strict discipline and a common corporate spirit in the face of danger, these warriors belonged to one of the most powerful armies in Antiquity.

When they entered the service, they lost some of their civil rights. During their service they were not full members of Roman society. Now they could be subjected to executions, even executed, depending on the military crime committed. If they started families on long campaigns, then their children were not considered real citizens. This once again emphasizes how the ancient Romans emphasized the status of a person.

Popularity of the monogram

During the Renaissance, a similar abbreviation was used more than once. It has found its application in other cities of Italy, although it has changed somewhat. For example, S.P.Q.V. - the slogan of Venice, or S.P.Q.S. - the appeal of Siena, who borrowed the idea from Rome, introducing it taking into account the local flavor. But, returning to the symbol of Rome, it should be noted interesting fact. To the question "what does S.P.Q.R." mean? at different times, depending on the situation, they responded differently. Here are the most popular of them: “St. Peter rests in Rome” or “Wise people love Rome.”

Conclusion

The “Eternal City” has preserved many monuments of its glorious past. These mysterious 4 letters will always be associated with him. By and large, one can only guess what SPQR meant to Roman citizens, interpreting the meaning, using their knowledge and ideas about the structure of society at that time.