Saturday, May 4, 2024

13.04.24: the greatest abbreviation in Rome

And another one as a way in …

The most famous abbreviation in Ancient Rome

First used on inscriptions during the late republic in 80BC, its last appearance being on coins during the reign of Constantine (312-337AD), the abbreviation SPQR stands for:

SENĀTUS POPULUSQUE RŌMĀNUS

The Roman Senate and People refers to the government of Rome, the absence of monarchy (there had been no king since 509BC after the overthrow of Lucius Tarquinius Superbus) and the importance of the Roman people themselves in the running of the state.

But here’s the question:

senātus: senate

populus: people

Both end in -us, and so both are 2nd declension?

See the next post






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