pedarii

Pedarii was a term used in the Roman Republic and Empire to refer to senators who did not actively participate in voting or debate within the Senate. These senators were typically those who held lower social or political standing, or who had been appointed to the Senate for reasons other than their oratorical or political influence. The name "pedarii" derives from the Latin word "pes," meaning "foot," suggesting they voted by walking to their designated side of the chamber rather than speaking their vote or being counted among the more prominent orators. While their votes were counted, their lack of active engagement meant they held less sway in the decision-making process compared to their more vocal colleagues. The existence of pedarii highlights the hierarchical nature of Roman political institutions and the varying levels of influence within the senatorial class. Their presence was a common feature of Roman senatorial proceedings for much of its history.