FASCES

in ancient Rome, insignia of official authority. It was carried by the lictors, or attendants, and was characterized by an ax head projecting from a bundle of elm or birch rods tied together with a red strap; it symbolized penal power. The Roman emperors originally had 12 fasces, but after Domitian (reigned AD 8196), they had 24; dictators, 24; consuls, 12; praetors, 6; legates, 5; priests, 1. Lowering of the fasces was a form of salute to a higher official. Removing the ax within the city signified recognition of the people's sovereignty. Benito Mussolini's Fascist Party of Italy was named for the fasces, which the members adopted in 1919 as their emblem.