The SPQR reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004 (provided by Fixed Reference: snapshots of Wikipedia from wikipedia.org)

SPQR

SPQR is an acronym for the Latin phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus^*. The translation is "The Senate and Roman People".

It was emblazoned on the standards of the Roman legions and was the official name of the Roman Empire. It also appears in the coat of arms of today's city of Rome, and as such appears on every manhole cover in the city.

^*: Several versions are suggested about the correct meaning of the acronym, depending on the presumed declination of 'R', which can be as well Romanus (Senatus or Populus) or Romani (Senatus and Populus) or Romae (of Rome).

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