DECEMVIRATE Meaning and
Definition
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A decemvirate is a noun referring to a group or governing body composed of ten individuals. The term originates from the Latin word “decemviratus,” which literally means “a council of ten.” In history, a decemvirate was specifically associated with ancient Rome during a period when Rome was transitioning from a monarchy to a republic.
The most well-known example of a decemvirate occurred in ancient Roman history between 451 and 450 BC. During this time, the Roman government established a decemvirate in order to draft a code of laws known as the Twelve Tables. These laws aimed to provide a more equitable legal system for all Roman citizens. The decemvirate was responsible for drafting and enforcing these laws, which were eventually inscribed on twelve bronze tablets and displayed in the Roman Forum.
Typically, decemvirates held supreme authority and acted as a ruling body, responsible for making important decisions and implementing policies on behalf of the community they represented. Ancient Rome’s decemvirate was considered a temporary governing body and was dissolved once their main objective of drafting the laws was completed, though they did retain some political power for a short time after.
In more general terms, the concept of a decemvirate can be applied to any governing body consisting of ten members, particularly one that is appointed or tasked with a specific purpose. The term is often used in historical contexts, referring to similar assemblies found in other ancient societies or periods of governmental transition.
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The office, or duration of the office, of a decemvir.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for DECEMVIRATE
- secemvirate
- xecemvirate
- cecemvirate
- fecemvirate
- recemvirate
- eecemvirate
- dwcemvirate
- dscemvirate
- ddcemvirate
- drcemvirate
- d4cemvirate
- d3cemvirate
- dexemvirate
- devemvirate
- defemvirate
- dedemvirate
- decwmvirate
- decsmvirate
- decdmvirate
- decevirate
Etymology of DECEMVIRATE
The word "decemvirate" traces its origins back to Latin. It is derived from two Latin elements: "decem", meaning "ten", and "vir", meaning "man" or "person". In ancient Rome, the Decemvirate refers to a board of ten officials appointed to perform specific tasks. The most well-known example of the Decemvirate is the decemviri legibus scribundis, a board of ten men chosen to draft a new code of laws known as the Twelve Tables in 451-450 BC. The term "decemvirate" has since been used to refer to any group or committee composed of ten members.
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