<P> The Senate directed the magistrates, especially the consuls, in their prosecution of military conflicts . The Senate also had an enormous degree of power over the civil government in Rome . This was especially the case with regards to its management of state finances, as only it could authorize the disbursal of public monies from the treasury . In addition, the Senate passed decrees called senatus consultum, which was officially "advice" from the Senate to a magistrate . While technically these decrees did not have to be obeyed, in practice, they usually were . During an emergency, the Senate (and only the Senate) could authorize the appointment of a dictator . The last ordinary dictator, however, was appointed in 202 BC . After 202 BC, the Senate responded to emergencies by passing the senatus consultum ultimum ("Ultimate Decree of the Senate"), which suspended civil government and declared something analogous to martial law . </P> <P> The rules and procedures of the Roman Senate were both complex and ancient . Many of these rules and procedures originated in the early years of the Republic, and were upheld over the centuries under the principle of mos maiorum ("customs of the ancestors"). While Senate meetings could take place either inside or outside of the formal boundary of the city (the pomerium), no meeting could take place more than a mile outside of the pomerium . Senate meetings might take place outside of the formal boundary of the city for several reasons . For example, the Senate might wish to meet with an individual, such as a foreign ambassador, whom they did not wish to allow inside the city . </P> <P> At the beginning of the year, the first Senate meeting always took place at the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus . Other venues could include the Temple of Fides or the Temple of Concord, or, if the meeting was outside of the formal boundary of the city, at the Temple of Apollo or (if a war meeting) at the Temple of Bellona . In addition, the Senate operated while under various religious restrictions . For example, before any meeting could begin, a sacrifice to the gods was made, and a search for divine omens (the auspices) was taken . The auspices were taken in order to determine whether that particular Senate meeting held favor with the gods . The Senate was only allowed to meet in a building of religious significance, such as the Curia Hostilia . </P> <P> The ethical requirements of senators were significant . Senators could not engage in banking or any form of public contract . They could not own a ship that was large enough to participate in foreign commerce, and they could not leave Italy without permission from the Senate . In addition, since they were not paid, individuals usually sought to become a senator only if they were independently wealthy . </P>

Where did the roman government meet to conduct its business
find me the text answering this question