S.P.Q.R.

S.P.Q.R. (also: SPQR ) is the abbreviation for the Latin Senatus Populusque Romanus ( " Senate and People of Rome ").

This text was the emblem of ancient Rome and is still to be found as motto in the arms of the city today. The legions of the Roman Empire led it to their standards.

In Rome many signboards, manhole covers, trash cans and public bodies with these four letters are provided.

Translation

Literally translated Senatus Romanus actually Populusque The Roman Senate and the Roman people, but is the above translation by the German grammar permitted and also correct and is also used often in the form.

Importance and modifications

In S.P.Q.R. the distribution of power in the Roman Republic between the aristocracy representing the Senate and the people is expressed: Both are sovereign. S.P.Q.R. thus became a symbol for a republican form of government, and - more generally - the expression of civic pride.

In many city-states is the abbreviation SPQR therefore been modified in relation to their own city, such as SPQR appeared on the coat of arms of the former Imperial City of Weil der Stadt, or in the old town hall of Regensburg. Am Holsten Gate in Lübeck, the letter S. P. Q. L. ( Lubecensis ), at the meat bridge in Nuremberg letter S. P. Q. N. are ( Norimbergensis ). In the arms of the Hanseatic city of Stade, S · P · Q · ST place. At the Bremen City Hall, the letter S. P. Q. B. ( Bremensis ) are attached. In the Hall of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg can be found in many places, the letter sequence S. P. Q. H. ( Hamburgensis ). Also in Palermo can be found eg in manhole covers the lettering S. P. Q. P. ( Palermitanus ).

Satirical use

Jokingly S. P. Q. R. is also with " Sono Pazzi Questi Romani " ( The Romans are crazy ) translated, which is a popular saying of the cartoon character Obelix. Likewise, it is jokingly called " Sono Porchi Questi Romani " - "These Romans are pigs " - used.

S. P. Q. R. - R. Q. P. See also: " Più o meno Quanto Sapete Rubiamo? - Rubiamo Quanto Possiamo Senza parole " ( German: " Do you know roughly how much we steal - we steal as much as we can, without saying anything? " ).

The Romans themselves counter (translated: "These Romans are pretty powerful " ) to such jokes with the interpretation of " Sono equipotential Questi Romani ".

In this age of confessional conflict SPQR was a popular acronym for all, wanted to distribute the mockery of Rome ( the papacy and the Catholic Church ): Stultus Populus Quaerit Romam - A foolish nation that aspires to Rome ( anonymously, London 1606 ).

According to a Vatican anecdote asked Pope John XXIII. in a conversation a bishop, what SPQR would read on the papal coat of arms backwards and the question is answered the same even with " RIDEO Quia Papa Sum" ( " I laugh because I 'm the Pope ").

Others

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