Comitia

/kəˈmɪʃə/ noun

Definition

In ancient Rome, an assembly or gathering of citizens for voting, legislative purposes, or religious ceremonies.

Etymology

Latin comitia, likely derived from comes 'companion,' referring to people gathered together. The comitia were central to Roman democratic and religious life throughout the Republic and Empire.

Kelly Says

The Roman comitia were essentially the original voting booths! There were different types—the Comitia Centuriata (voting by centuries/military units) and Comitia Tributa (voting by tribes)—and they're where everyday Romans could actually influence laws. It's one of democracy's earliest recorded operating systems.

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