{"id":10122,"date":"2023-12-01T05:40:11","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T04:40:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/?p=10122"},"modified":"2023-12-01T05:40:11","modified_gmt":"2023-12-01T04:40:11","slug":"what-was-the-role-of-consuls-in-ancient-rome","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.learnancientrome.com\/what-was-the-role-of-consuls-in-ancient-rome\/","title":{"rendered":"What Was The Role Of Consuls In Ancient Rome"},"content":{"rendered":"
The role of the consul in Ancient Rome was first established as part of the Republic’s government when it was founded in 509 BC. This important office was originally created to be the head of the political organs of the state. There were usually two consuls appointed each year and their primary responsibility was to advise the Senate and to consider laws and policies. The consuls had full authority to make decisions on behalf of the state, supported by the senate’s advice.<\/p>\n
The scope of the consul’s activities and responsibilities encompassed military and judicial duties, as well as the power to appoint magistrates and to ratify treaties. The consuls also had the power to call the Senate to a meeting and to lead it. All of the state’s legislative functions were performed by the Senate and the consul was the person responsible for ensuring that the Senate was adhering to its responsibilities.
\nThe consul’s electoral term could be short, lasting only one year and could sometimes come to an abrupt end, especially if the consul failed to honourably terminate his terms through ill luck or lack of military success. This could lead to the consul being removed from office and replaced.<\/p>\n
The two main duties and authorities of the consulship were:<\/p>\n
The consuls also had the right to veto decisions made by the Roman Senate. The consulship was a relatively broad office and many of the consuls had their own views on how to run the state. Some saw their position as one of leadership, taking an active role in the decisions of the Senate, while others were content to simply obey the decisions of the Senate.<\/p>\n