Rota (papal signature)

The rota is one of the symbols used by the pope to authenticate documents such as papal bulls. It is a cross inscribed in two concentric circles. Pope Leo IX was the first pope to use it.

For the canonical tribunal, see Roman Rota.
Rota of Pope Alexander III, AD 1175

The four inner quadrants contain: "Petrus", "Paulus", the pope's name, and the pope's ordinal number. The pope's autograph or motto is sometimes inscribed between the concentric circles.

A rota was also used by monarchs for the authentication of documents and diplomas.[lower-alpha 1]

See also

Notes
  1. For instance, it was used by William I and William II of Sicily.[1]

References
  1. Antonia Gransden, Legends, Traditions, and History in Medieval England, Continuum International Publishing Group, 1992, p. 184.
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