Editing SPQR

{{short description|Latin initialism referring to the government of the ancient Roman Republic}}
{{About|the Latin initialism}}
{{More citations needed|date=November 2024}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Roman government}}

'''SPQR''' or '''S.P.Q.R.''', an [[initialism]] for '''{{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Romanus}}''' ({{IPA|la-x-classic|sɛˈnaːtʊs pɔpʊˈɫʊskʷɛ roːˈmaːnʊs|lang|link=yes}}; {{Translation|"The Senate and People of Rome"}}), is an emblematic phrase referring to the government of the [[Roman Republic]]. It appears on documents made public by an inscription in stone or metal, in dedications of monuments and public works, and on some [[Roman currency]].

The full phrase appears in Roman political, legal, and historical literature, such as the speeches of [[Cicero]] and the {{lang|la|[[Ab urbe condita (Livy)|Ab Urbe Condita Libri]]}} (''Books from the Founding of the City'') of [[Livy]].

==Translation==
{{unreferenced section|date=June 2019}}
In [[Latin]], ''[[wikt:senatus|Senātus]]'' is a [[nominative]] singular noun meaning "[[Roman Senate|Senate]]". ''Populusque'' is compounded from the nominative noun ''[[wikt:populus|Populus]]'', "the People", and ''[[wikt:-que|-que]]'', an [[enclitic|enclitic particle]] meaning "and" which [[Conjunction (grammar)|connects]] the two nominative nouns. The last word, ''[[wikt:romanus|Rōmānus]]'' ("[[wikt:Rome|Roman]]"), is an [[adjective]] modifying the whole of ''Senātus Populusque'': the "Roman Senate and People", taken as a whole. Thus, the phrase is translated [[literal translation|literally]] as "The Roman Senate and People", or more freely as "The Senate and People of Rome".

==Historical context==
{{unreferenced section|date=March 2024}}
The title's date of establishment is unknown, but it first appears in inscriptions of the [[Late Republic]], from around 80 BC onwards. Previously, the official name of the Roman state, as evidenced on coins, was simply ''ROMA''. The abbreviation last appears on coins of [[Constantine the Great]] (ruled 312–337 AD), the first Roman emperor to support [[Christianity]].{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

This signature continued in use under the [[Roman Empire]]. The emperors were considered the ''[[de jure]]'' representatives of the people even though the ''[[Senatus consultum|senātūs consulta]]'', or decrees of the Senate, were made at the ''[[de facto]]'' pleasure of the emperor.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

''Populus Romanus'' in Roman literature is a phrase meaning the government of the People. When the Romans named governments of foreign states, they used ''populus'' in the singular or plural, such as ''populi Priscorum Latinorum'', "the governments of the Old Latins". ''Romanus'' is the established adjective used to distinguish the Romans, as in ''civis Romanus'', "[[Roman citizenship|Roman citizen]]".{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

The Roman people appear very often in law and history in such phrases as ''dignitas'', ''maiestas'', ''auctoritas'', ''libertas populi Romani'', the "dignity, majesty, authority, freedom of the Roman people". They were a ''populus liber'', "a free people". There was an ''exercitus, imperium, iudicia, honores, consules, voluntas'' of this same ''populus'': "the army, rule, judgments, offices, consuls and will of the Roman people". They appear in early Latin as ''Popolus'' and ''Poplus'', so the habit of thinking of themselves as free and sovereign was quite ingrained.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

The Romans believed that all authority came from the people. It could be said that similar language seen in more modern political and social revolutions directly comes from this usage. People in this sense meant the whole government. The latter, however, was essentially divided into the aristocratic Senate, whose will was executed by the [[Roman consul|consul]]s and [[praetor]]s, and the ''comitia centuriata'', "committee of the centuries", whose will came to be safeguarded by the [[Tribune]]s.{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

One of the ways the emperor [[Commodus]] (180–192) paid for his donatives and mass entertainments was to tax the senatorial order, and on many inscriptions, the traditional order is provocatively reversed (''Populus Senatusque...'').{{citation needed|date=January 2024}}

==Medieval use==
{{Unreferenced section|date=January 2025}}
Beginning in 1184, the [[Commune of Rome]] struck coins in the name of the SENATVS P Q R. From 1414 until 1517, the Roman Senate struck coins with a shield inscribed SPQR.

== Modern use ==
[[File:Insigne_Romanum_coronatum.svg|thumb|100px|left|Modern coat of arms of Rome municipality]]
Even in contemporary usage, SPQR is still used in the municipal coat of arms of Rome and as abbreviation for the [[comune]] of Rome in official documents.<ref name="romeHome">{{cite web |url=https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/home.page |title=Roma Capitale – Sito Istituzionale – Home |access-date=2019-10-29 |language=it |archive-date=18 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191018083830/https://www.comune.roma.it/web/it/home.page |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="revocaDeleghe">{{cite web |url=https://www.comune.roma.it/PCR/resources/cms/documents/Ord.1Revoca_deleghe_Naim.pdf |publisher=S.P.Q.R. – ROMA CAPITALE – MUNICIPIO ROMA CENTRO STORICO |title=OGGETTO: Revoca deleghe Consigliera Nathalie Naim |language=it |date=2011-02-02 |access-date=2019-10-29 |archive-date=29 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029112123/https://www.comune.roma.it/PCR/resources/cms/documents/Ord.1Revoca_deleghe_Naim.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The Italians have long used a different and humorous expansion of this abbreviation, "''Sono Pazzi Questi Romani''" ({{Lit|They're crazy, these Romans}}).<ref>See, e.g. {{cite book|last=von Hefner|first=Otto Titan|author-link=:de:Otto Titan von Hefner|url=https://archive.org/stream/handbuchdertheo00hefngoog#page/n122/mode/2up|title=Handbuch der theoretischen und praktischen Heraldik|year=1861|location=Munich|page=106}}</ref> SPQR is also part of the coat of arms of the Capital Military Command of the Italian army (Italian: ''Comando Militare Capitale''). 

In business, in English-speaking countries, SPQR is sometimes (humorously) used to mean "Small Profits, Quick Returns", often by people who have studied Latin at school.<ref>{{OED|S.P.Q.R.}}</ref>

=== Civic references ===
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2018}}
''SPQ{{math|x}}'' is sometimes used as an assertion of municipal pride and civic rights. The Italian town of [[Reggio Emilia]], for instance, has SPQR in its coat of arms, standing for {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Regiensis}}. There are historic usages of the deployment of the "SPQ{{math|{{var|x}}}}" format in various other  cities and towns:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! City !! Country !! SPQ{{math|{{var|x}}}} !! Latin !! Where has it been used !! Image 
|-
| [[Alkmaar]] || {{flag|Netherlands}}|| SPQA ||  || On the façade of the [[Waag (Alkmaar)|Waag]] building || 
|-
| [[Amsterdam]] || {{flag|Netherlands}}|| SPQA || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Amstelodamensis}}<ref name=Amsterdam/> || At the [[Stadsschouwburg]] theater on [[Leidseplein]]<ref name="mforamsterdam">{{cite web |url=https://mforamsterdam.com/nl/stadsschouwburg-leidseplein/ |title=Stadsschouwburg Leidseplein |language=Dutch |last=de Cleen |first=Marjolein |date=2023-02-24 |accessdate=2023-05-06 }}</ref> and some of the [[bridge]]s<ref name=Amsterdam>{{cite web |url=https://www.livius.org/a/netherlands/amsterdam-weapon/weapon.html |title=Heraldic symbols of Amsterdam |website=Livius |date=2 December 2006 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061210204739/https://www.livius.org/a/netherlands/amsterdam-weapon/weapon.html |archive-date=2006-12-10}}</ref> || [[File:Imperial Crown and the letters SPQA on bridge detal in Amsterdam.jpg|80px]] 
|-
| [[Antwerp]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQA || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Antverpensis}}|| On [[Antwerp City Hall]] and other public buildings and schools<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/woesinger/353095889/ |title=SPQA |author=Woesinger |website=Flickr |date=2007-01-05 |access-date=2014-02-17}}</ref> || [[File:SPQA - the Antwerp Take-Off on Antiquity - panoramio.jpg|80px]] 
|-
| [[Ascoli Piceno]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQA || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Asculum}}|| On the wall above the south loggia of the [[Piazza del Popolo, Ascoli Piceno|Piazza del Popolo]] || 
|-
| [[Basel]] || {{flag|Switzerland}} || SPQB || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Basilea}} || On the ''Webern-Brunnen'' in Steinenvorstadt<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brunnenfuehrer.ch/brunnen/webern.htm |website=Basler Brunnenführer |date=2003-01-01 |access-date=2015-10-30 |language=de |trans-title=Webern Fountain |title=Webern-Brunnen |archive-date=4 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075927/http://www.brunnenfuehrer.ch/brunnen/webern.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Benevento]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQB<ref name="fotw"/> || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Beneventanus}}<ref name="fotw"/> || On manhole covers<ref name="fotw">{{cite web |url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/it_rome.html |title=Rome – Historical Flags (Italy) |website=Flags of the World |date=14 November 2003 |access-date=6 February 2007 |archive-date=8 February 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208221539/http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/it_rome.html |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Bologna]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQB || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Bonononiensis}}|| On the [[Fountain of Neptune, Bologna|Fountain of Neptune]] || 
|-
| [[Bremen]] || {{flag|Germany}} || SPQB ||  || In [[Bremen City Hall]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/2003/whc03-27com-inf08ae.pdf#page39 |title=Evaluations of Cultural Properties |publisher=UNESCO |author=International Council on Monuments and Sites |format=PDF |date=2003 |access-date=2014-02-17 |pages=39–42 |archive-date=23 June 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200623175633/http://whc.unesco.org/archive/2003/whc03-27com-inf08ae.pdf#page39 |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Bruges]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQB ||  || On its coat of arms<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Brugge |title=Crest of Brugge |website=Heraldry of the World |access-date=2014-02-17 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726121238/https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Brugge |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Brussels]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQB || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Bruxellensis}} (of the city) or {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Belgicus}} (of the country) || Repeatedly on the [[Palace of Justice, Brussels|Palace of Justice]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.eupedia.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1360/cat/views/limit/views |title=SPQB sign on the court of Justice of Brussels |website=Eupedia |access-date=2014-02-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417011651/http://www.eupedia.com/gallery/showphoto.php/photo/1360/cat/views/limit/views |archive-date=17 April 2010 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> over the main stage of the [[La Monnaie|Royal Theatre of La Monnaie]],{{citation needed|date=July 2020}} and on the ceiling of the [[Senate of Belgium|hemicycle of the Belgian Senate]] in the [[Palace of the Nation]]. || 
|-
| [[Capua]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQC ||  ||  || 
|-
| [[Catania]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQC ||  || On manhole covers || 
|-
| [[Chicago]] || {{flag|United States}} || SPQC || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque}} [[Chicago]] || On the [[George N. Leighton#Legacy and Honors|George N. Leighton]] Cook County Criminal Courthouse<ref>{{cite web |url=https://interactive.wttw.com/a/biking-the-boulevards-california-blvd |title=Biking the Boulevards with Jeffery Baer |author=Jeffery Baer |website=WTTV |access-date=19 March 2024 }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Dublin]] || {{flag|Ireland}} || SPQH || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque [[Hibernia|Hibernicus]]}} || On the [[City Hall, Dublin|City Hall]], built in 1769 || 
|-
| [[Florianópolis]] || {{flag|Brazil}} || SPQF<ref name="fotw"/> || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Florianopolitanus}}<ref name="fotw"/> ||  || 
|-
| [[Franeker]] || {{flag|Netherlands}}|| SPQF ||  || At the a gate on the Westerbolwerk and Academiestraat 16<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gevelstenen.net/kerninventarisatie/plaatsenNed/Franeker.htm |title=Franeker |website=gevelstenen.net |access-date=26 January 2018 |archive-date=27 January 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127202411/http://www.gevelstenen.net/kerninventarisatie/plaatsenNed/Franeker.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Freising]] || {{flag|Germany}} || SPQF ||  || Above the door of the town hall || 
|-
| [[Ghent]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQG || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Gandavensis}} || On the opera house, theatre and some other major buildings, inscribed on a shield on coins struck in Ghent in 1583, during the [[Dutch Revolt]]<ref>{{cite book |title=Coinage of the European Continent |first=W. |last=Carew Hazlitt |page=216}}</ref> || [[File:Gent Sint-Christoffelkapel SPQG.jpg|80px]]
|-
| [[Groningen]] || {{flag|Netherlands}}|| SPQG ||  || Above the entrance of the [[Der Aa-kerk]] || [[File:Groningen (stad), Der Aa-kerk in Groningen. 13-06-2022. (actm.) 01.jpg|80px]] 
|-
| [[The Hague]] || {{flag|Netherlands}}|| SPQH ||  || Above the stage in the [[Koninklijke Schouwburg]] || 
|-
| [[Hamburg]] || {{flag|Germany}} || SPQH ||  || On a door in the city hall (''[[Hamburg Rathaus]]'')<ref>{{cite web |language=de |url=http://www.nefershapiland.de/Hamburg%201.htm |title=Hamburg |website=Nefers Hapiland |access-date=6 January 2009 |archive-date=3 November 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081103234408/http://www.nefershapiland.de/Hamburg%201.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[File:2011-06-22-hh-buergerschaft-by-RalfR-04.jpg|80px]]
|-
| [[Hanover]] || {{flag|Germany}} ||  ||  ||  || 
|-
| [[Haarlem]] || {{flag|Netherlands}}|| SPQH ||  || On the façade of the town hall at the "Grote Markt" || 
|-
| [[Hasselt]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQH ||  || || 
|-
| [[Istanbul]] || {{flag|Turkey}} || SPQC || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Constantinopolitanus}} || || 
|-
| [[Kortrijk]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQC || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Cortoriacum}} || On the City hall || 
|-
| [[Kraków]] || {{flag|Poland}} || SPQC || ''Senatus Populusque Cracoviensis'' || Over the Waza Gate in [[Wawel Castle]] || [[File:Kraków 1644.jpg|80px]]
|-
| [[La Plata]] || {{flag|Argentina}} || SPQR ||  || On a monument outside of the city's ''casco urbano'' || 
|-
| [[Leeuwarden]] || {{flag|Netherlands}}|| SPQL || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Leovardia}} || On the mayor's chain of office<ref>{{cite web |language=nl |url=http://www.gemeentearchief.nl/html/nl/564/Ambtsketen_burgemeester |website=gemeentearchief.nl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719040336/http://www.gemeentearchief.nl/html/nl/564/Ambtsketen_burgemeester |url-status=dead |archive-date=2011-07-19 |title=De Ambtsketen Van De Burgemeester |trans-title=The Mayor's Office}}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Leuven]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQL || ''Senatus Populusque Leuvensis'' || Over the painting of Jesus in the back reception room inside [[Leuven Town Hall]] || 
|-
| [[Liverpool]] || {{nowrap|{{flag|United Kingdom}}}} || SPQL || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Liverpudliensis}} || On various gold doors in [[St George's Hall, Liverpool|St George's Hall]]<ref>{{cite web |first=Paul |last=Coslett |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2007/04/19/st_georges_hall_opening_feature.shtml |title=St George's Hall |publisher=BBC Liverpool |access-date=2014-02-17 |archive-date=25 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925070631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/liverpool/content/articles/2007/04/19/st_georges_hall_opening_feature.shtml |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[City of London]] || {{flag|United Kingdom}} || SPQL || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Londiniensis}} || On historic variants of the [[Coat of arms of the City of London|City's coat of arms]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/65DC8039-12C4-4AC4-8DAD-16F1608E99B7/0/cityarms.PDF |website=cityoflondon.gov.uk |title=The City Arms |quote=The letters SPQL [{{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Londinii}} – literally, The Senate and People of London] also occasionally appear in imitation of the SPQR of ancient Rome. |publisher=The Corporation of the City of London |author=Corporation of London Records Office |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927154602/http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/65DC8039-12C4-4AC4-8DAD-16F1608E99B7/0/cityarms.PDF |archive-date=27 September 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Brunet |first=Alex |date=2013 |pages=156–7 |title=Regal Armorie of Great Britain |location=London |publisher=Forgotten Books |orig-year=1839}}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Lübeck]] || {{flag|Germany}} || SPQL || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Lubecensis}} || On the ''[[Holstentor]]''<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/robertbue/526774794/ |author=Roberto |title=Holstentor – SPQL: Senatus Populusque Lubecensis |website=Flickr |date=2007-03-01 |access-date=2014-02-17 |archive-date=9 December 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209154054/https://www.flickr.com/photos/robertbue/526774794/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || [[File:Luebeck Holtstentor Detail E 2879 201409.jpg|80px]] 
|-
| [[Lucerne]] || {{flag|Switzerland}} || || || || 
|-
| [[Madrid]] || {{flag|Spain}} || SPQM || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Matritensis}} || On the {{ill|Fuente de Apolo|es|Fuente de Apolo (Madrid)}}, built in 1780 || 
|-
| [[Milan]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQM || || The [[Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor|Holy Roman Emperor Charles V]] struck coins at Milan with the inscription {{lang|la|S P Q Mediol Optimo Principi}}.<ref>{{cite book |title=The Coinage of Milan |first=W. J. |last=Potter |page=19 |id=coin 4}}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Modica]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQM ||  || On the coat of arms<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Modica |title=Modica |website=Heraldry of the World |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726144653/https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Modica |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Molfetta]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQM ||  || On the coat of arms<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Molfetta |title=Molfetta |website=Heraldry of the World |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726113520/https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Molfetta |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Naples]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQN || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Neāpolis}} || Inscribed on a shield on coins struck during [[Masaniello]]'s 1647 revolt<ref>Italian Coinage Medieval to Modern, The Collection of Ercole Gnecchi, coin 3683</ref> || 
|-
| [[Noto]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQN || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Netum}} || On the coat of arms<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Noto |title=Noto |website=Heraldry of the World |access-date=26 July 2020 |archive-date=26 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200726144706/https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Noto |url-status=live }}</ref> and the façade of [[Noto Cathedral]]. || 
|-
| [[Nuremberg]] || {{flag|Germany}} || SPQN || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Norimbergensis}} || On the [[Charles Bridge (Nuremberg)|Charles Bridge]] (one of the major bridges over river [[Pegnitz (river)|Pegnitz]] in the inner city)<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nordbayern.de/region/nuernberg/forum-romanum-modell-ausstellung-im-hirsvogelsaal-1.6993998 |title=Forum Romanum: Modell-Ausstellung im Hirsvogelsaal |website=nordbayern.de |date=14 December 2017 |access-date=26 September 2023 |language=de}}</ref> || [[File:Nürnberg Karlsbrücke Obelisk Chronogramm.jpg|80px]]
|-
| [[Oudenburg]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQO || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Odenburgensis}} || On its water pump next to the market square<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/erfgoed/3584425837 |title=Stadspomp, Oudenburg |website=Flickr |date=30 May 2009 |access-date=20 December 2017 |archive-date=26 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190126022700/https://www.flickr.com/photos/erfgoed/3584425837/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Olomouc]] || {{flag|Czech Republic}}|| SPQO<ref name="fotw"/> || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Olomucensis}} || On the coat of arms<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Olomouc |title=Olomouc |website=Heraldry of the World|date=20 August 2023 }}</ref> || [[File:Coat of arms of Olomouc, city in the Czech Republic.svg|80px]]  
|-
| [[Palermo]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQP ||  || <ref name="Flickr.com">{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/mypixbox/2090276640/ |title=SPQP |author=mypixbox |website=Flickr |date=2007-12-05 |access-date=2014-02-17 |archive-date=4 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104112706/http://www.flickr.com/photos/mypixbox/2090276640/ |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Penne, Abruzzo]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQP ||  || <ref name="Flickr.com"/> || 
|-
| [[Pontecorvo]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQF ||  || Used as motto for municipal coat of arms
|-
| [[Rieti]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQS || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque [[Sabines|Sabinus]]}} || On the coat of arms, present also in the modern composite [[Lazio]] coat-of-arms || 
|-
| [[Rotterdam]] || {{flag|Netherlands}}|| SPQR ||  || Mural in the ''Burgerzaal'' of [[Rotterdam City Hall]] || [[File:20080423 Rotterdam Stadhuis Burgerzaal Pricker SPQR1.jpg|80px]]
|-
| [[Severn Beach]] || {{flag|United Kingdom}} || SPQR ||  || On the crest of Pilning & Severn Beach Parish Council || 
|-
| [[Seville]] || {{flag|Spain}} || SPQH || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Hispalensis}} || On the historic banner of the city || 
|-
| [[Siena]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQS ||  || On the base of a statue of the [[Capitoline Wolf]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/rut/2688830684/ |title=SPQS |author=Moree |website=Flickr |date=2008-06-17 |access-date=2014-02-17}}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Solothurn]] || {{flag|Switzerland}} || SPQS || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Solodori}} || On the [[Solothurn Cathedral|Cathedral]] of [[Ursus of Solothurn|St Ursus]] and [[Viktor of Xanten|Victor]] || 
|-
| [[Terracina]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQT ||  || <ref>{{cite journal |first1=O. A. W. |last1=Dilke |first2=Margaret S. |last2=Dilke |date=October 1961 |title=Terracina and the Pomptine Marshes |journal=Greece & Rome |volume=II:8 |issue=2 |pages=172–178 |publisher=[[Cambridge University Press]] |doi=10.1017/S0017383500014406 |s2cid=162727396 |issn=0017-3835 |oclc=51206579}}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Tivoli, Lazio]] || {{flag|Italy}} || SPQT ||  || <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.tibursuperbum.it/eng/escursioni/passeggiate/Pomata.htm |language=en |title=Walking in Pomata |website=Tibursuperbum |access-date=2014-02-17 |publisher=Con il patrocinio del Comune di Tivoli Assessorato al Turismo |archive-date=25 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225225455/http://www.tibursuperbum.it/eng/escursioni/passeggiate/Pomata.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Toruń]] || {{flag|Poland}} || SPQT || ''Senatus Populusque Thorunensis'' || On the City Hall<ref>{{Cite web|title=Sala Rady (Senatu) w Ratuszu Staromiejskim – Atrakcje Torunia – Przewodnik po Toruniu {{!}} Toruń Tour Toruński Portal Turystyczny|url=http://www.toruntour.pl/4726/sala-rady-senatu-w-ratuszu-staromiejskim-torun|access-date=2021-03-10|website=Toruński Portal Turystyczny|language=pl}}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Valencia]] || {{flag|Spain}} || SPQV || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Valentinus}} || In several places and buildings, including the [[Llotja de la Seda|Silk Exchange]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cervantesvirtual.com/obra-visor/manual-del-viajero-y-guia-de-los-forasteros-en-valencia--0/html/feeb26d4-82b1-11df-acc7-002185ce6064_25.htm |title=Biblioteca Virtual Miguel de Cervantes |publisher=Cervantesvirtual.com |access-date=2014-02-17 |archive-date=22 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130922185552/http://www.cervantesvirtual.com/obra-visor/manual-del-viajero-y-guia-de-los-forasteros-en-valencia--0/html/feeb26d4-82b1-11df-acc7-002185ce6064_25.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and the [[University of Valencia]] Historic Building.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/elena_gallardo/2927782582/ |title=SPQV |first=Elena |last=Gallardo |website=Flickr|date=27 September 2008 }}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Verviers]] || {{flag|Belgium}} || SPQV ||  || On the Grand Theatre<ref>{{cite web |language=fr |url=http://www.bestofverviers.be/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=186:le-grand-theatre-de-verviers&catid=15:nos-lieux&Itemid=23 |website=bestofverviers.be |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112213250/http://www.bestofverviers.be/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=186:le-grand-theatre-de-verviers&catid=15:nos-lieux&Itemid=23 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2014-11-12 |title=Le Grand-Théâtre de Verviers}}</ref> || 
|-
| [[Vienna]] || {{flag|Austria}} || SPQV<ref name="fotw"/> || {{lang|la|Senatus Populusque Viennensis}}<ref name="fotw"/> || Above the main entrance of the civic armoury (''Bürgerliches Zeughaus'') at Am Hof, with a dedication to [[Charles VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Holy Roman Emperor Charles VI]] (''Imperante Carolo VI. instauravit'')<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.oeaw.ac.at/tuerkengedaechtnis/denkmaeler/ort/am-hof-buergerliches-zeughaus | title=Wien 1, Am Hof, Bürgerliches Zeughaus }}</ref> || [[File:Am Hof Zeughaus.jpg|80px]]
|- 
| [[Winschoten]] || {{flag|Netherlands}} || SPQW<ref name="Winschoter-Archief-SPQW">{{cite web|url= https://www.winschoterarchief.nl/cat-stadhuis-115-jaar/stadhuis-115-jaar/|title= Stadhuis 115 jaar - Op 15 juni 1896 werd het huidige Stadhuis aan de Langestraat van gemeente Oldambt in gebruik genomen.|quote= S.P.Q.W. Senatus Popules Que Winschotanus – (Raad en Volk van Winschoten).|date=14 June 2011|access-date=24 December 2024|author= B.H. Schipper (Eltjo)|publisher= Winschoter Archief|language=nl}}</ref> || {{lang|la|Senatus Populesque Winschotanus}} || On the façade of the municipal office (''stadhuis'') of [[Oldambt (municipality)|Oldambt]]<ref name="Winschoter-Archief-SPQW"/> || [[File:Senatus Populesque Winschotanus (SPQW), Winschoten (2024) 04.jpg|80px]] 
|}

=== Popular culture ===
SPQR is often used to represent the Roman Empire and Roman Republic, such as in video games and movies.
In the 2000 movie ''[[Gladiator_(2000_film)|Gladiator]]'', the Roman general Maximus (portrayed by [[Russell Crowe]]) has "SPQR" tattooed on his upper arm, which he removes by scraping after he is sold into slavery.

The humorous modern Italian expansion ''Sono Pazzi Questi Romani'' ({{Lit|They're crazy, these Romans}}) is used in the French ''[[:fr:Ils sont fous, ces Romains !|Ils sont fous, ces Romains !]]'' ({{Lit|They're crazy, these Romans}}) as the catchphrase of the character [[Obelix]] in the French comic album series ''[[Asterix]]'', and the Italian original/[[retranslation]] (translating back to the original) ''Sono Pazzi Questi Romani'' is used in the Italian translation of Asterix, rendered with capitals to make the acronym clear;<ref>See for example the image at [https://www.reddit.com/r/bandedessinee/comments/17xlnei/spqr/ r/bandedessinee "SPQR"], ''Reddit''</ref> note that [[Albert Uderzo]], the co-creator of ''Asterix'', was born to Italian immigrants and was exposed to Italian as a child.<!-- In case this is confusing: Sono Pazzi Questi Romani is a humorous Italian expansion of SPQR, dating to the 1860s or earlier. In Asterix (starting in the 1950s), the French "Ils sont fous, ces Romains !" is a translation of this Italian phrase. The Italian translation of Asterix uses the original Italian source for this catchphrase, "retranslating" or "untranslating" it. -->

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Arch.of.Titus-Inscription.jpg|The inscription in the [[Arch of Titus]]
File:Rome SPQR 1979-08-06.jpg|[[Manhole]] cover in Rome with SPQR inscription
File:Stemma reggio emilia municipio.jpg|SPQR in the coat of arms of [[Reggio Emilia]]
File:3492 - Milano - Galleria Vittorio Emanuele - Stemma di Roma - Foto Giovanni Dall'Orto, 22-June-2007.jpg|Detail from the mosaic floor in the [[Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II]] in [[Milan]]
File:Wenceslas Hollar - Superiority of the warrior class (State 2).jpg|"Superiority of the warrior class", by [[Wenceslaus Hollar]]
File:Arch of Septimius Severus Top Inscription.JPG|[[Arch of Septimius Severus]] top inscription
File:Fellini plaque, Via Veneto.jpg|Dedicatory plaque to [[Federico Fellini]] on [[Via Veneto]]
File:Wien Oberes Belvedere Sala terrena Stuckdekor.jpg|Field symbol (right) at the [[Belvedere, Vienna|Belvedere]] palace, Vienna
</gallery>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== Further reading ==
*{{cite journal |first=Carrie E. |last=Beneš |title=Whose SPQR? Sovereignty and semiotics in medieval Rome |journal=[[Speculum (journal)|Speculum]] |volume=84 |issue=4 |year=2009 |pages=874–904 |doi=10.1017/s0038713400208130 |s2cid=162598924 }}
*{{cite journal |last=Moatti |first=Claudia |year=2017 |title=Res publica, forma rei publicae, and SPQR |journal=Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies of the University of London |volume=60 |issue=1 |pages=34–48  |doi=10.1111/2041-5370.12046 |doi-access=free }}

==External links==
{{Wiktionary|SPQR}}
{{Commons category|SPQR}}
{{Library resources box |by=no |onlinebooks=yes |others=yes |about=yes |label=SPQR
  |viaf= |lccn= |lcheading= |wikititle= }}
* [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/searchresults?q=Roman+senate+and+people&target=en%2C1&collection=Perseus%3Acollection%3AGreco-Roman Instances of "Roman Senate and People"] on Perseus.edu
* [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0059%3Aentry%3Dpopulus1 Lewis & Short dictionary entry for populus] on Perseus.edu
* [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0234%3Aid%3Db6c16 Polybius on the Senate and People (6.16)]

{{Ancient Rome topics |state = collapsed }}

[[Category:Ancient Roman government]]
[[Category:Latin mottos]]
[[Category:Initialisms]]