Fasces

Fasces (English: /ˈfæsiːz/ FASS-eez; Latin: [ˈfaskeːs], from the Latin word fascis, meaning "bundle";^[1] Italian: fascio littorio) is a bundle of wooden rods, sometimes showing an axe blade. The fasces is an Italian symbol originated from the Etruscan civilization and was passed on to ancient Rome.

In Ancient Rome, fasces symbolized a magistrate's power and jurisdiction.

During early 20th century, the fasces was used to represent fascism. The symbol was used by the National Fascist Party of Benito Mussolini.

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  Unofficial coat of arms of France
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  Emblem of the Spanish Civil Guards

1. ↑ Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary Archived 2007-09-30 at the Wayback Machine: fasces