Note 137 — Chapter II · THE ORIGIN OF THE FLORENTINE COMMUNE.82

There were, in fact, Consuls of the Commune, of the guilds, of the Arno, of the city gates, of the Societies of the Towers, and the latter were more specially styled Rectors. Yet even "Rectors" was a generic term, indicating all who governed, and there were Rectors of the Towers, of the city, and of the guilds. Potestas then indicated the supreme authority in general, and was only converted later on into a special and separate office.