CHAPTER XLV.


[Footnote: Most of the information given in this chapter is scattered
in different parts of the history; but it seems well to condense it
into one chapter for readier reference.]


ROMAN OFFICERS, ETC.

The magistrates of Rome were of two classes; the _Majores_, or
higher, and the _Minores_, or lower. The former, except the
Censor, had the _Imperium_; the latter did not. To the former
class belonged the Consuls, Praetors, and Censors, who were all
elected in the Comitia Centuriáta. The magistrates were also divided
into two other classes, viz. Curule and Non-Curule. The Curule offices
were those of Dictator, Magister Equitum, Consul, Praetor, Censor, and
Curule Aedile. These officers had the right to sit in the _sella
curúlis_, chair of state. This chair was displayed upon all public
occasions, especially in the circus and theatre; and it was the seat
of the Praetor when he administered justice. In shape it was plain,
resembling a common folding camp-stool, with crooked legs. It was
ornamented with ivory, and later overlaid with gold.

The descendants of any one who had held a curule office were nobles,
and had the right to place in their halls and to carry at funeral
processions a wax mask of this ancestor, as well as of any other