SPQR

Latin

Alternative forms

• S. P. Q. R.

Pronunciation

• (Classical Latin) IPA^(key): /seˈnaː.tus po.puˈlus.kʷe roːˈmaː.nus/, [s̠ɛˈnäːt̪ʊs̠ pɔpʊˈɫ̪ʊs̠kʷɛ roːˈmäːnʊs̠]
• (modern Italianate Ecclesiastical) IPA^(key): /seˈna.tus po.puˈlus.kwe roˈma.nus/, [seˈnäːt̪us popuˈluskwe roˈmäːnus]

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)

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.