MAGISTRATUS Meaning and
Definition
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Magistratus is a Latin term that primarily refers to the concept of magistracy or the exercise of magisterial power in ancient Rome. Derived from the word "magister," meaning "master" or "chief," magistratus encompasses various positions or offices held by individuals entrusted with the authority to govern and administer justice in the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire.
In its broader sense, magistratus can be understood as the entire body of magistrates in a jurisdiction, comprising a hierarchical structure. At the highest level, there were the magistratus maiores, which included consuls, praetors, and censors. Consuls were the highest-ranking magistrates, serving as the chief executives of the state and military commanders. Praetors were primarily responsible for administering justice and maintaining law and order. Censors, on the other hand, were responsible for conducting the census and overseeing public morality.
Below the magistratus maiores, there were magistratus minores, which included positions like aediles, quaestors, tribunes, and others. Aediles were responsible for maintaining public buildings, organizing public events, and ensuring public health and welfare. Quaestors handled financial matters, while tribunes represented the interests of the plebeians and had the power to veto decisions made by other magistrates.
Overall, magistratus encompassed a diverse range of individuals who held various offices and exercised different powers to govern, administrate, and maintain the functioning of the Roman state. It elucidates the complex hierarchical system of magisterial power in ancient Rome.
Etymology of MAGISTRATUS
The word "magistratus" comes from Latin. Its etymology can be traced back to the combination of two words: "magister", meaning "master" or "chief", and "atus", which is a suffix indicating a state or condition. Therefore, "magistratus" can be understood to mean "having the state or condition of a master" or "a person with the authority of a master". In the Roman context, "magistratus" referred to a magistrate or a public official who held administrative and legal powers.
