A Latin term used in the early period of Rome’s history to denote a principal subdivision of the Roman people. Each of the original three tribes of Romulus were subdivided into ten curiae. This division was important for military organization, and for political representation — an early assembly is called the comitia curiata. From this association with political meetings comes the more general use of curia for ‘senate’ — often, under the Empire, a municipal senate. The term is also used for the senate house itself, and particularly of the Senate House at Rome. Rebuilt many times, this building now survives in a version restored by Diocletian in 303 ad, and owes its survival to Church use.
The Macmillan dictionary of archaeology, Ruth D. Whitehouse, 1983Copied