The True Meaning of Spqr, Motto of the Legions
On the triumphal arches throughout the empire, on temples and altars, on shields and standards and even on coins: in Roman times, the acronym “SPQR” was everywhere.
Abbreviation of the expression “Senatus Populusque Romanus”, these words entered the hearts of millions of citizens of the empire to, even today, be a symbol of glory and greatness.
This is wonderfully felt in cinema for example, where we have all already seen SPQR in the peplums.
Even if we all know it, (too) few people know the true meaning of SPQR.
Today, together, we will remedy this shortcoming.
Contents :
History of the use of the SPQR acronym
A fairly clear translation
We have just told you this but, yes, our acronym means “ Senatus Populusque Romanus ”.
“Senatus” is the Latin term used to speak of the Senate, the central political body of the city of Rome which influenced its history from its creation to its fall. For once, this translation was indeed easy to guess.
“Populusque” for its part refers to the people… but not just any people!
Indeed, “Romanus”, quite obviously, is a particular form of the word “Roma”, or Rome in French.
Taken as a whole, the translation of our expression therefore gives: “ The Senate and the people of Rome ”.
Far from being just an empty phrase, it carries a truly profound message: the power and legitimacy of Rome came on the one hand from its Senate (and therefore from the excellence of great thinkers, influential men and philosophers) but also of its people.
These two pillars, allied together, gave the necessary strength to this nation to accomplish what it was able to accomplish throughout history.
From a political point of view, this simple phrase reflects a profound reflection on the notions of sovereignty, legitimacy of power and representativeness of the people in political actions and decisions.
Roman culture is truly fascinating and, in many ways, has innovated and contributed to all of humanity. If you are also of this opinion, you will also like this collection of lucky charms dedicated to Greek and Roman symbols.
In short, seeing SPQR inscribed somewhere was in any case a reminder for every Roman that the empire (or the republic, depending on the era) was nothing other than an expression of the soul of the people that it had to serve.
This reflects a profound sovereignist and representative nature which, even today, influences political life.
History of the use of the acronym SPQR
The acronym SPQR was thus used by Rome… but not since its creation!
Although some imagine the first legions already marching beneath it, it was in reality only around the year 80 BCE that our emblem appeared. (Most historians give a margin of 106 to 49 ACN.)
Yes, before this period, the favorite symbol of the Republic of Rome was simply its name “Roma”, drawn in gold under a red background.
In short, it was in fact the famous consul Cicero who decided that SPQR could describe the political essence of his country. Since this decision, our emblem has shone everywhere in Rome, mainly through flags like this one hung in front of official buildings.
It is true that this notion of paralleling (and therefore in some way equalizing) between the Senate and the people was particularly relevant at the time.
This was especially true at the end of his mandate, when Rome experienced great disruption and descended into civil war. It was therefore necessary to remind everyone of the necessary union between the population and its institutions.
His successors, however, undoubtedly saw nothing wrong with it, and from Caesar to Livy, including the emperors Augustus or Tiberius: all recognized in the expression “Senatus Populusque Romanus” part of their mission.
Its significance after the fall of Rome
It's obvious: the meaning of SPQR necessarily evolved after the fall of the Roman Empire.
Even before that, it would have been logical that the transition from republic to empire under the reign of Augustus could have changed its meaning.
Yes, our expression speaks well of the Senate, a political body which lost most of its influence with the establishment of the empire...
The various sovereigns of Rome, however, all decided to keep SPQR as their emblem, believing that their power too was based on popular legitimacy.
This also made it possible to maintain a link with the past, a sort of continuity between institutions... and therefore a certain form of stability.
Anyway, back on topic. In the 4th century AD, Rome fell and its territory was divided between different peoples from the barbarian lands beyond its borders. The great barbarian invasions were the scene of the real migration which put an end to the Roman era. (To learn more on the subject, here is a fairly comprehensive audio podcast on the issue.)
However, it held out for a few more years in the East with the Eastern Roman Empire (or Byzantine Empire) which used it for a few more years.
With its Christianization (notably that of its leaders, and here we can think of the Emperor Constantine the Great) , the symbol of the SPQR was increasingly associated with a paganism then bygone, and was quickly abandoned in the face of a triumphant Christianity.
Our Roman emblem was therefore officially abolished and, apart from a few exceptions, was no longer used on a large scale. The Roman army was no more and only archeology would then remember the past centuries.
There are, however, notable cases of reappearance, such as certain coins minted in Rome in the Middle Ages, but nothing of real magnitude.
SPQR as a military symbol
“Senatus Populusque Romanus” was therefore an expression dear to Rome as a whole, but a particular part of its organization gave it a particular meaning: its army.
Indeed, each standard, each flag, each banner was marked with the seal of the SPQR.
Next to the famous Roman eagle under which some of the most glorious legions were able to march were these few letters.
They symbolized the noble ideal for which they fought, that of a just and legitimate state which protected its people.
In the hearts of thousands of soldiers, SPQR is also synonymous with rallying in battle, heroic courage and the greatness of their military corps. Seeing this acronym floating above the fields of war certainly left an impression.
Truly, everyone in Roman society held this acronym in respect, here are some proofs and examples:
It was under the SPQR that Julius Caesar was able to subdue Vercingetorix and the Gauls and that Carthage was defeated during the Punic War
- The Western Roman Empire rose to greatness using the SPQR.
- The terrible gladiator fights took place under his protection.
- The neighboring tribes and peoples then conquered by Rome (Etruscans, Germans, Celts, Thracians and many others) were afraid of them.
- Most slaves feared him as an emblem of their submission to legionnaires and warriors.
- Many deities of the pantheon were linked to him.
- Aqueduct, thermal baths, circus: the SQPR decorated the building of Roman civilization.
- The senators on Capitol Hill respected him deeply.
Yes, each Roman province knew the SPQR and the history of Rome is eternally linked to it. If you are interested in the history of the legions, their organization and their exploits, here is a resource from the geo.fr site that should speak to you.
In short, it is undoubtedly for this warlike reason that even today, so many people identify with the meaning of the SPQR.
Lucky charm featured in this article
Flag of Ancient Rome
See more