Princeps senatus (Nova Roma)
The princeps senatus (prínceps senátús, "the first rank of the senate," a Latin genitive construction) is the first senator in the senate, but not its leader and not its president. This title bestows an honor, but it is not an office. The presidents of the senate are the consuls.
The princeps senatus is the opinion-leader of the senate, whose voice the other senators are expected to give serious consideration. The princeps can also act as the "right-arm of the senate", enabling the senate to position itself correctly within the framework of Nova Roma. Prior to the increased functionality of this position by Cn. Caesar in his consulship, the senate had no means to legally be summoned if the consuls objected. With the expansion of the functions of the princeps senatus, the senate can be called to order independent of the whims of one or both consuls. This allows the magistrates to be able to be overseen and where necessary held to account by the senate.
The princeps senatus may act as the executor of the will of the senate, being invested with a range of responsibilities, and the ability to take a number of "holding actions" to stabilize situations pending the calling of the senate into formal session.
List of principes senatus of Nova Roma
- K. Fabius Buteo Quintilianus (Non. Dec. ‡ L. Arminio Ti. Galerio cos. ‡ MMDCCLX a.u.c. - Kal. Ian. ‡ P. Ullerio C. Equitio cos. ‡ MMDCCLXIV a.u.c.)
- Dec. Iunius Palladius Invictus (Kal. Ian. ‡ P. Ullerio C. Equitio cos. ‡ MMDCCLXIV a.u.c. - a.d. VI Id. Sept. ‡ C. Claudio T. Domitio (II) cos. ‡ MMDCCLXXI a.u.c.)
- A. Tullia Scholastica (a.d. VI Id. Sept. ‡ C. Claudio T. Domitio (II) cos. ‡ MMDCCLXXI a.u.c. - current)
