SPQR - Definition and Overview

See also the SPQR series of murder mystery novels and the SPQR board game.

SPQR is an acronym for the Latin phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus. The translation is "The Senate and people of Rome".

It was emblazoned on the standards of the Roman legions and was the official name of the Roman Republic and 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, and most civic buildings, in the city.

Note: 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 (plural: Senatus AND Populus) or Romae (OF Rome). However, Senatus Populusque Romanus is the version given on Trajan's Column.