liktor

A liktor was a type of officer in ancient Rome who served as a bodyguard and assistant to magistrates. Liktors were distinguished by their fasces, which were bundles of rods enclosing an axe, symbolizing the magistrate's power to inflict punishment and command. The number of liktors assigned to a magistrate varied depending on their rank and the specific office they held. For example, a consul was attended by twelve liktors, while a praetor had six.

Liktors performed a variety of duties. They cleared the way for the magistrate, escorted them in public, and carried out their orders, including arrests and executions. They also attended religious ceremonies and were present during public speeches. Liktors were typically chosen from the ranks of freedmen or common citizens and served for a fixed term. The office of liktor was considered an honorable one, and it often served as a stepping stone to higher political office. The tradition of liktors and their fasces was eventually adopted by other societies, including those in medieval and Renaissance Europe. The image of the fasces has been used as a symbol of authority and power throughout history.