Fasces

Ok kiddo, have you ever seen a bundle of sticks tied together with a strap? That's what a fasces looks like!

The fasces was a symbol used in ancient Rome. It was actually a weapon with some sticks called the "fasces rods" tied together to make it stronger. The rods were tied up by a strap around them.

Now, the reason why this weapon became a symbol was because it was carried by important people in the Roman government called the "Lictors". These people were kind of like bodyguards for the powerful magistrates or consuls.

So when the Lictors walked with the consul, they would carry this weapon - a bundle of sticks tied together with leather - as a symbol of their power and authority.

Today, you might see the fasces symbol used in some official designs and logos, to represent strength and unity. Even our very own Uncle Sam has a fasces in his "I Want You" poster!