SPQR: Free Water

Today was very hot in Rome and the "B Line" of the subway system is not air conditioned. The city was distributing free bottles of water to help all of the riders stay cool. Of course, the city's coat of arms with SPQR was proudly displayed on the bottles of sparkling water.

I got my free bottle of water as I left the Piramide station,

near the Porta San Paolo.

SPQR are the first letters of the words in the Latin phrase Senatus Populusque Romanus, "The Senate and the People of Rome." It originally referred to the government of the ancient Roman Republic, and used as an official signature of the government, appearing on coins, stone and metal inscriptions, and on the standards of the Roman legions. SPQR is the motto of the city of Rome and appears in the city's coat of arms, as well as on many of the city's civic buildings, public fountains, manhole covers and water bottles!