Etymology Dictator

julius caesar, dictator of rome.

originally emergency legal appointment in roman republic, term dictator did not have negative meaning has now. dictator magistrate given sole power limited duration. @ end of term, dictator s power returned normal consular rule whereupon dictator provided accountability, though not dictators accepted return power sharing.

the term started modern negative meaning cornelius sulla s ascension dictatorship following sulla s second civil war, making himself first dictator in more century (during office ostensibly abolished) de facto eliminating time limit , need of senatorial acclamation, although avoided major constitutional crisis resigning office after 1 year, dying few years later. julius caesar followed sulla s example in 49 bc , in february 44 bc proclaimed dictator perpetuo, dictator in perpetuity , officially doing away limitations on power, kept until assassination following month.

following julius assassination, heir augustus offered title of dictator, declined it. later successors declined title of dictator, , usage of title diminished among roman rulers.