Parade Axe From Etruscan digging in Trestina
This object was used during sacrifices, the central act of ancient religious rites. It was also one of the symbols of royal power, whose memory was kept alive by the Romans even after the end of the monarchy.
Such axes formed part of the fasces of the most important republican magistrates, the consuls, as symbols of their coercive power.
Such axes formed part of the fasces of the most important republican magistrates, the consuls, as symbols of their coercive power.
The consul’s guard of honor consisted of 12 lictors who carried the fasces (a bundle of wooden sticks with an axe blade emerging from the center) on their left shoulder.
The fasces traditionally symbolized power, jurisdiction, and strength through unity.
Since the ancient roman times the fasces has been re-used by different countries or political movements. Several offices and institutions in the United States have incorporated representations of the fasces into their iconography.
The fasces traditionally symbolized power, jurisdiction, and strength through unity.
Since the ancient roman times the fasces has been re-used by different countries or political movements. Several offices and institutions in the United States have incorporated representations of the fasces into their iconography.