Consul

Under the Roman Republic, which lasted from 509 BC until 27 BC, when Caesar Augustus became emperor, and Rome became an empire, a consul was the highest level of public office one could achieve. Two consuls were elected to serve jointly for a one-year term. Having two consuls provided a check on the power of any one consul since one consul could veto the actions of the other.

Under the Roman Empire, consuls were more symbolic representatives, with the Emperor wielding supreme authority.