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Apporre un segno. Il comune di Roma e le concessioni del capo del Senato Romano (secoli XIV e XV)
Abstract This article aims to analyse the circumstances of a particular heraldic custom in Italy known as
“Head of the Roman Senate” (purple with a silver cross and the initials SPQR in gold). According to
medieval tradition, the ancient Romans awarded coats of arms (and in particular the red shield with
S.P.Q.R.) to their allies and political friends via their Senate. In the second half of the 14ᵗʰ
century, this custom inspired the leaders of the city of Rome to use the city’s coat of arms to
promote its image. This opportunity to make a statement was particularly important to the city
during the absence of the popes in Avignon, when from 1358 it no longer appointed the senator from
a baronial family, but from abroad. This custom has been downplayed in recent times, claiming that
it was less a favour of the city government than the will of the popes, who ultimately decided the
choice of senators. However, a recently discovered formulary for such a privilege and the analysis
of the person honoured and their deeds show that the Romans were also genuinely interested in these
concessions, which were by no means automatic and self-evident. In the absence of direct written
sources – as is well known, a large part of the Roman communal records of the 14ᵗʰ and 15ᵗʰ
centuries have been lost – the article presents material reminders and evidence outside the Roman
context for these augmentations of honour.
