Dictator of Rome

Quick Facts: Who was Dictator of Rome?

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Dictator of Rome

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An extraordinary magistrate in the Roman Republic with full, temporary state authority.

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Origins & Early Life

A Roman dictator was an extraordinary magistrate of the Roman Republic, endowed with full authority to resolve some specific problem to which he had been assigned. He received the full powers of the state, subordinating the other magistrates, consuls included, for the specific purpose of resolving that issue, and only that issue, and then dispensing with those powers immediately. A dictator was still controlled and accountable during his term of office: the Senate still exercised some oversight authority, and the rights of plebeian tribunes to veto his actions or of the people to appeal them were retained. The extent of a dictator's mandate strictly controlled the ends to which his powers could be directed. Dictators were also—at least in some cases—liable to prosecution after their terms completed.

Career & Major Achievements

Dictators were frequently appointed from the earliest period of the Republic down to the Second Punic War (218–201 BC), but the magistracy then went into abeyance for over a century. It was later revived in a significantly modified form, first by Sulla between 82 and 79 BC and then by Caesar between 49 and 44 BC, who became dictator perpetuo just before his death. This later dictatorship was used to effect wide-ranging and semi-permanent changes across Roman society. After Caesar's assassination in 44 BC, the office was formally abolished and never revived. The reasons for which someone might be appointed dictator were varied.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The purpose of the dictatorship was to return Rome to the status quo before some threat emerged. The dictatorship existed "to eliminate whatever had arisen that was out of bounds and then eliminate themselves so that normal operation of the ordinary government" could resume. The abolition of the Roman monarchy c. 509 BC, according to tradition, devolved the royal powers onto two annually elected consuls. The creation of the dictatorship is part of this tradition, which is somewhat confused. Its original title was magister populi, "master of the infantry".

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Dictator of Rome

True or False: “The office of dictator was formally abolished after Caesar's assassination in 44 BC and never revived.”

Answer (TRUE ⭕): While the role was revived by Sulla and Caesar, its formal abolition following Caesar's death marked the end of the traditional magistracy.

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• Dictator perpetuo — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: The title held by Julius Caesar signifying perpetual dictatorship in the Roman Republic.
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