SPQR

Latin

Alternative forms

Pronunciation

Proper noun

SPQR

  1. initialism of senātus populusque rōmānus (the Roman Senate and People)
    • 203 C.E., Arch of Septimius Severus:
      S·P·Q·R
      The Roman Senate and People (sc. dedicate this monument)
    • 2018 August 30, Sarah E. Bond, “The Misuse of an Ancient Roman Acronym by White Nationalist Groups”, in Hyperallergic[1] (in English):
      In comments to Hyperallergic, ancient historian and classical numismatist Liv Yarrow noted the absence of SPQR coins during the period of the Republic and its later use as a means of justifying autocracy while harkening back to an earlier age:

Usage notes

  • In the classical period, this was usually interpreted as applying to the city of Rome's inhabitants; occasionally, it applied to the entire Roman Empire. In modern times, it continues to carry those connotations. It is also used in modern Italy by the municipal government of modern Rome.