Lictors

one of the lower state offices in ancient Rome. The position was known since the time of Etruscan kings, as early as the seventh century B.C. Lictors were originally agents carrying out the orders of the magistrates. Later they performed only security and ceremonial functions for the magistrates and carried the fasces. Lictors chosen from among the emancipated slaves usually accompanied the higher magistrates. Thus a praetor had six lictors, a consul 12, a dictator 24, and the emperor 24 (during the first and second centuries B.C.).