SPQR

• SPQR is an acronym for ‘Senatus Populus que Romanus’ meaning ‘The Senate and the People of Rome’.
• The Roman government started using SPQR during the Consulship of Sulla between 82-80 BCE until c.337 CE.

History

• Prior to SPQR coins bore the inscription ‘ROMA’.
• SPQR was used between c.80 BCE-c.337 CE.
• The coins of Constantine I (307-337 CE) were the last time the inscription was used.
• The Roman People thought of themselves as being Free and Sovereign both under the Roman Republic and during the Roman Empire.
• Under the Empire the Roman Emperor continued the traditions of the Roman Republic in name. He was portrayed as the representative of the People and held the Office of Princeps Senatus, the Leader of the Senate.

Display of the letters SPQR

• From 100-80 BCE onwards, this inscription could be found on:
  • Roman Coins.
  • Roman Public Buildings.
  • Roman Monuments.
  • Roman Literature: political, historical and legal
  • Roman Legionary Standards.
  • Flag of the Roman Empire