Dictator perpetuo

Quick Facts: Who was Dictator perpetuo?

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Dictator perpetuo

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The title held by Julius Caesar signifying perpetual dictatorship in the Roman Republic.

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2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Dictator perpetuo (English: "dictator in perpetuity"), also called dictator in perpetuum, was the office Julius Caesar held at the end of his life. He was granted the title between 26 January and 15 February during the year 44 BC. By abandoning the time restrictions of the regular Roman dictatorship, it elevated Caesar to a rank more akin to the ancient Roman kings.

Career & Major Achievements

This change, among other monarchical tendencies, motivated his assassination a few weeks later on 15 March 44 BC. Julius Caesar held the dictator position for only eleven days in 49 BCE (holding elections either as dictator Comit. or as dictator rei gerundae causa) and again for the year 48/47 BCE.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 46 BCE, he was elected dictator for the next ten years. At some point between January and February 44 BCE he was appointed dictator perpetuo, but was assassinated less than two months later, on the Ides of March. Stefan Weinstock has argued that the perpetual dictatorship was part of the senatorial decrees regarding Caesar's divine honors, as well as his planned apotheosis as Divus Iulius, a complex of honors aimed at eternity and divinity.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Dictator perpetuo

True or False: “Julius Caesar was granted the title of Dictator perpetuo before his military campaigns against Pompey.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The text indicates that he held this title near the end of his life in 44 BC, not prior to his major campaigns.

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