Rome's Republic on a manhole?

While wandering around Rome on one of our vigorous walking tours, I am sure that many of us noticed the symbol S.P.Q.R. The city is littered with references to this latin phrase, Senatus Populusque Romanus. The phrase is a reference to the ancient Roman Republic and the equal distribution of power, and translates to "The Senate and the People of Rome." S.P.Q.R is now used as an official signature of the government, and is emblazoned on many of Rome's manhole covers.