Interrēges
(
μεσοβασιλεῖς). The name given by the Romans to the
senators who, between the death of one king and the election of another, held regal authority,
during the
interregnum, for successive periods of five days each. One of
these interreges had to conduct the election itself. Even under the Republic an interrex was
nominated by the Senate to hold the Comitia for the election of consuls, whenever the consuls
had died, or resigned, or if the election had not been completed by the end of the year. If
five days did not suffice, the retiring interrex named another to succeed him. See Mommsen,
Röm. Staatsrecht, vol. i. 647-660.