Online Encyclopedia
SPQR
SPQR is an acronym for the Latin phrase Senatus Populus que Romanus*. The translation is "The Senate and the People of Rome".
It was emblazoned on the standards of the Roman legions and was the official name of the Roman Empire. It also appears in the coat of arms of today's city of Rome, and as such appears on every manhole cover in the city.
* Several versions are suggested about the correct meaning of the acronym, depending on the presumed declination of 'R', which can be as well Romanus (Senatus or Populus) or Romani (Senatus and Populus) or Romae (of Rome).
Last updated: 10-24-2004 05:10:45