The fasces, or bundle of rods + axe, symbolised not only strength thru unity: they were carried before the Roman consuls, or chief magistrates, whose office became elective after the Tarquin royal dynasty were expelled, by their lictors [official guards and attendants]; and they represented rods+axe for punishment/execution, to symbolise the power of the State, represented by the consuls, with regard to law-enforcement ~~ surely the reason for Mussolini's having adopted the name Facisti for his totalitarian party, and used the fasces as its symbol.

~Michael~