the.com/consul
a Roman supreme power, neatly halved so neither half got drunk on it.
means A consul is either one of two highest elected officials of the ancient Roman Republic who shared executive power, or, in modern usage, a government official posted abroad to look after the interests and citizens of their home country.
from From Latin 'consul,' the title of the Republic's twin chief magistrates. Its deeper root is debated: it may come from 'consulere,' to take counsel or deliberate — fitting for an office built to consult rather than command alone — though some link it to roots meaning to sit or come together. The Romans elected two each year precisely so power stayed split; the modern diplomatic 'consul,' the friendly face at the embassy, borrows the prestige of the old title while doing far quieter work.
- shared by two
- Two consuls held veto power over each other
- one-year term
- Power expired fast to prevent kings returning
- name on calendar
- Romans dated years by the consuls in office
- horse nominee
- Caligula reportedly planned to make his horse consul
- modern echo
- Diplomatic consuls still guard citizens abroad today
roman consul — highest magistrate in the roman republic, 2 elected annually from 509 bce to 27 bce
us consul general — diplomatic official representing usa in foreign cities, like the consul general in mumbai or hong kong
consulate general london — specific diplomatic office representing a country (like usa) in london