Legal Definitions - senatores

Senatores (plural noun)

In ancient Roman law and history, senatores refers to individuals who served as members of a governing council. This term primarily denotes:

• Members of the powerful Roman Senate, the central legislative and advisory body of the Roman Republic and Empire.
• Members of municipal councils in Roman cities, colonies, or provinces, who managed local administration and affairs.

Here are some examples illustrating the application of this term:

• Example 1 (Roman Senate): During the late Roman Republic, a prominent figure like Cicero was considered one of the most influential senatores, delivering powerful speeches and shaping policy debates within the Roman Senate on matters affecting the entire empire.

  Explanation: This example illustrates the primary meaning of senatores as members of the supreme Roman Senate, highlighting their role in imperial governance and political discourse.

• Example 2 (Municipal Council): An archaeological excavation in a Roman provincial town uncovers a public inscription honoring the local senatores who collectively funded the construction of a new aqueduct, significantly improving the town's water supply.

  Explanation: Here, senatores refers to the members of the local municipal council. This demonstrates their responsibility for local infrastructure projects and their role in the administration of a Roman city outside of Rome itself.

• Example 3 (Local Governance): In a Roman colony established in North Africa, the local governor frequently consulted with the leading senatores of the colonial council to discuss issues such as land distribution and tax collection, ensuring local customs were considered in administrative decisions.

  Explanation: This example further clarifies the role of senatores in local governance, showing how members of a colonial council would advise on and manage affairs pertinent to their specific region, often interacting with higher imperial authorities.