consuls

Consuls
A consul was the highest elected-position that could be achevied in the Roman Republic and Empire. Two consuls were elected, and would serve together and make the most important decisions for the Roman State as the head of government. Originally called praetors (generals essentially - unsure on this..) at the end of the Roman Kingdom when the last Etruscan king was deposed, consuls held a great amount of power in the consulship.

Under the Republic, consuls had ultimate and absolute power. Under the Empire, however, consuls did not retain as much power and influence as they once had, and can be considered to be "puppet" officials, who bowed down to the Emperor, and thus had no real power.