Other Definitions
fasces (dict)
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FascesThe fasces lictoriae ("bundles of the lictors") (in Italian, fascio littorio) were, in ancient Rome, a symbol of power and authority (imperium). They were carried by guardians callled lictors before a magistrate, in a number corresponding to his rank, in public ceremonies and inspections, and preceded praetors, propraetors, consuls, proconsuls, Masters of the Horse, dictators, and caesars. Roman historians recalled that the Etruscan kings of Rome in the distant past, had been ceremoniously accompanied by twelve lictors, and sought to account for the number and provide etymologies for the name lictor. Fasces were made of wooden rods tied together as a cylinder around an axe. The symbolism of the fasces is that of strength through unity. The rods symbolized the state's power to punish delinquents. The axe represented the power to decapitate, which has a long history in the eastern Mediterranean: see Labrys, the Anatolian and Minoan double-headed axe. The fasces were borne by heroic soldiers (they had to have been injured in battle) during the triumphs (public celebrations held in Rome after a military conquest). Traditionally axe blades were removed from fasces inside the Pomerium, the limits of the City of Rome. Lictors attending to Dictator, however, kept the axe blades even inside the city. , Washington DC, Lincoln's seat of state bears the fasces on the fronts of its arms]] Fasces have been adopted as a symbol by various powers over the years: Related Topics External links
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