In Roman society, the Consul was the highest ranking senior official in the government. They were the head of state in Roman Republic. They also commanded the Roman army, with each Consul having 2 Legions. They exercised the highest executive power in Rome, with only the veto power of the other Consul, a Tribune, or laws passed by the Senate or Comitia Centuriata limiting them. The office existed throughout the Roman Empire, but had significantly reduced powers. Consuls had 12 bodyguards and wore purple-lined tunics.