What Did the Romans Call Their Empire?

The term 'res publica Romanorum' was used by the Romans to describe their realm, which translates to the 'public affair of the Romans.' Over time, this evolved into the term we know today as 'republic.' The Romans never referred to themselves as an empire; rather, they used that term to describe foreign states like Carthage, Parthia, or Persia.

Official Terminology: SPQR and the Roman Republic

The official name of their state was Senatus Populusque Romana (SPQR), which translates to 'Senate and People of Rome.' This term was not changed even as the form of governance evolved into the late Roman Empire.

Other Terms to Describe the Empire

Though the Romans preferred the term 'republic,' they also used other terms to describe their governance and expansion. Some of these terms included:

Imperium Romanum: While this term meaning 'Roman Empire' is often used in modern contexts, it is not how the Romans themselves would have described their realm. They instead used: Imperium Nostra: Translating to 'Our Empire,' this term represented a more personal and possessive claim to their territory. Imperium: Meaning 'imperial power' or 'command,' this term referred to the authority held by Roman leaders, particularly those with the 'imperium' title.

The Evolution of Governance in the Roman Empire

Despite the change in form of governance, the Roman Empire was still officially recognized as a republic. The transition to an empire was marked more by changes in leadership and the titulature of emperors rather than a change in the state's name. Some key terms used to describe the governance and leadership of the Roman Empire include:

Princeps Senatus: This title, meaning 'First Man of the Senate,' referred to the presiding officer of the Roman Senate. Princeps Civitatis: This term meant 'First Citizen' and denoted the highest official in the city. Imperator: A title used to denote a general or chief in command, often given to successful military leaders. Basileus: A Greek term meaning 'king,' used as a title by some Roman emperors. Dominus: Meaning 'master' or 'owner,' this title was used by emperors but was more commonly understood to be akin to 'mister' during the time of Diocletian.

Thus, while the terminology for the Roman state evolved over time, the core political identity remained rooted in the idea of the republica and the authority of its leaders.