What is the consul in ancient Rome?

In modern politics, a consul is an official who is a representative of his state in another region. This diplomat performs a number of functions to protect the political, economic and legal interests of his country. In this publication we will describe in detail about what a consul is in the case of Ancient Rome.

Power in Ancient Rome

In order to understand what a consul in Ancient Rome, it is necessary to consider the system of government. The Republican period was characterized by a combination of aristocratic and democratic features.

The main authorities at that time were people's congresses (which were convened only on the orders of senior officials), the senate and the magistracy. The Senate played a significant role in the life of the state. This body was deliberative in nature. In addition, he had foreign policy powers and exercised a controlling function. Also at his disposal was the treasury of Rome.

Roman magistrates are public positions. They were elected by the people's assembly (except for dictators). The post of consul was one of these magistracy. This person, along with the dictator and praetors, had the so-called supreme power. The Consul had a "great imperium". This official had the right to impose death sentences. In the Republican Rome there were 2 consuls. Each of them performed the same functions.

So, let's consider what a consul is.

The power of the consul in ancient Rome

In the ancient Rome of the Republic period, the consul performed the following functions:

• The imposition of the death penalty. This decision of the consul could be appealed by the people's congress only in one case. A death sentence could have been revoked if it was handed down outside Rome.
• The consuls headed the entire Roman system of magistrates.
• Had military powers. Consuls led the army, elected commanders and distributed the booty.
• Possessed the highest civil authority.
• During the military operations, the Senate could grant them unlimited powers.

In ancient Rome, the consuls were elected for one year, that is, their position was ordinary. Special assistants - quaestors - were attached to these persons.

Consuls in modern politics

In modern politics, the consul is a person standing in the diplomatic service. He represents the interests of his state in another country or city. For example, the US Consul in Russia defends America's political and economic interests . Its functions include facilitating the establishment of ties between states, issuing visas and passports to the citizens of the country whose interests it represents.

The consulate is a special institution located in the territory of another state (with its consent), for the performance of certain functions.