Roman dictator

Gaius Julius Caesar, denarius, 44 BC, RRC 480-10

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Sulla Glyptothek Munich 309

Jean-Léon Gérôme - The Death of Caesar - Walters 37884

Roman Dictator was a magistrate of the Roman Republic, entrusted with full authority to deal with military emergencies or other crises upon the state. The office was originally created during the early Republic and was appointed by the Roman Senate to serve for a limited term or until the crisis was resolved. The term of a dictator's office was traditionally set for six months. Roman dictators were granted absolute power to make laws and command the military, but they were expected to lay down their power once their term ended or the emergency was over, and their authority was limited to the duration of the specific task for which they were appointed.

Origins and Appointment

The role of the dictator in the early Roman Republic was a response to military emergencies. When the Roman consuls, who were the regular heads of the state, found themselves unable to cope with a military threat, the Senate could appoint a dictator to take over. The appointment process involved the consuls nominating a candidate, who was then approved by the Senate. This process ensured that the dictator was a consensus choice and not a result of individual ambition.

Powers and Limitations

The powers of the Roman dictator were vast. They had the authority to raise armies, decide on their deployment, and command them in battle. Additionally, they could issue edicts and laws necessary for the fulfillment of their duties. Despite these powers, the dictator was expected to respect certain limitations. They could not use their power to alter the Roman constitution or fundamentally change the rights of Roman citizens. Moreover, their term was strictly limited, usually to six months, and they were not allowed to leave the Italian peninsula.

Famous Dictators

One of the most renowned dictators in Roman history was Lucius Quinctius Cincinnatus. He is often cited as the model of civic virtue; a farmer who left his plow to serve as dictator and returned to his fields after defeating Rome's enemies. His leadership and swift resignation from the dictatorship are celebrated as examples of selfless service for the public good.

Decline and Abolition

The institution of the dictatorship began to decline during the later years of the Republic. The last person to be named dictator was Gaius Julius Caesar, who was appointed "dictator for life" in 44 BC. This marked a significant departure from the traditional, temporary nature of the dictatorship and contributed to the end of the Roman Republic. Following Caesar's assassination, the office was abolished by the future Augustus, marking the transition to the Roman Empire where the emperor held supreme power.

Legacy

The concept of a Roman dictator has had a lasting impact on the political lexicon, with the term "dictator" being used to describe absolute rulers who hold power without the consent of the governed. However, it is important to note that the original Roman dictators were appointed as a constitutional mechanism for dealing with crises, with their power being both limited in scope and duration.

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