Consul - (English spelling) consul (Latin)

The highest office (highest magistrate) in ancient Rome. It is translated as consul or governor. It is said to have been established in 509 BC with the establishment of the Republic. The consul was elected by the Centuria Assembly, and was the highest military and civil official with a bicameral peerage, one-year term, and imperium (command power). In times of war, he was the military commander, and was entrusted with the exercise of comprehensive state power, as well as the convening and presiding of the Centuria Assembly and the Senate. Originally, only patricians were allowed to hold the position, but legally from 366 BC, and in practice from 342 BC, one of the two consuls became a commoner. This position continued into the Imperial period, but the emperor recommended himself or a favorite, and the consul was elected by the Senate. The day of inauguration was originally March 15, but from 153 BC it became January 1, and the calendar was based on the names of the consuls who took office on that day (such as the year of consul). During the Imperial period, the term of office was often only four or two months. The age of appointment was set at 42 years old in Cicero's time, but during the Imperial period, there were cases of children being appointed. In the Western Empire, the system continued until 534.

[Yuge Tatsuya]

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

古代ローマの最高官職（最高の政務官）。執政官または統領と訳される。紀元前509年、共和政樹立とともに設置されたと伝えられる。コンスルはケントゥリア民会で選挙され、二人同僚制、1年任期、インペリウム（命令権）をもつ軍事、民政の最高の役人であった。戦時には軍司令官であり、ケントゥリア民会、元老院の招集、主宰のほか、包括的な国家権力の行使をゆだねられた。もとは貴族だけの就任が許されたが、法的には前366年から、実際は前342年以後、2人のうち1人は平民となった。帝政期になってもこの官職は存続したが、皇帝が自己または寵臣(ちょうしん)を推薦し、元老院で選出されるようになった。就任日は初め3月15日であったが、前153年からは1月1日となり、紀年はこの日に就任したコンスル名によって行われた（だれとだれがコンスルの年、というように）。帝政期には4か月または2か月しか任期をもたない例が多くなった。就任の年齢はキケロの時代には42歳以上とされたが、帝政期には幼児の就任例も現れた。西の帝国では534年までその存続がみられた。

［弓削　達］

出典　小学館　日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)日本大百科全書(ニッポニカ)について　情報 | 凡例