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Overview of the Dictator
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Length of service:
Officer holders: Duty: |
6 months, or longer depending on the situation
1 Overall authority of the Roman Republic in order to avoid crisis |
Origins of the dictator
Usually during the time of the Roman Republic two consuls acted as the heads of state. They were the most powerful individuals in the entire Republic, responsible for having overall authority and executive power. Neither had power over the other and they often had to agree on matters before setting forth with new laws and campaigns. However it became apparent that in dire times, two consuls arguing over the best course of action would not suffice. Therefore it was deemed necessary to have one office that had power above all else - the dictator, meaning the 'one who gives orders' in Latin. The most common reason to elect a dictator was when a foe seriously threatened the stability of the Republic, however some were elected to oversee religious or celebratory events.
Dictators were elected via a three stage process. The first stage involved the Senate who would put forth a senatus consultum, which allowed a consul to begin the process of nominating a dictator. Both consuls (if two were currently in office) could nominate their own candidates, and could also agree on an individual if they wished. However if they disagreed and could not come to an agreement they would draw lots instead. In times of war it was often the most accomplished and experienced military commander who was chosen. The final stage was the bestowing of power on the chosen individual by the Comitia Curiata, or Curiate Assembly.
It is thought that the first dictator of Rome was Titus Lartius around the year 501 BC. While serving as consul Lartius faced several threats against Rome including a conspiracy to restore the Tarquin dynasty to the throne of Rome. He was elected as the praetor maximus, an earlier version of the dictator which means 'Master of Infantry'. In this role he was tasked with securing the future of the Roman Republic at all costs by commanding Rome's military and quelling the various threats, which he succeeded in doing. After completing his task he resigned from his dictatorship, an act that many of his successors would follow, usually limiting their term to six months, or until whatever crisis had been averted.
However towards the end of the republic two people, Lucius Cornelius Sulla and Gaius Julius Caesar, were appointed as dictator not due to a short term emergency but rather to restore the Republic. Caesar in particular had his dictator term increased to ten years in 46 BC and eventually for life, shortly before he died. After his death the office was abolished.
Dictators were elected via a three stage process. The first stage involved the Senate who would put forth a senatus consultum, which allowed a consul to begin the process of nominating a dictator. Both consuls (if two were currently in office) could nominate their own candidates, and could also agree on an individual if they wished. However if they disagreed and could not come to an agreement they would draw lots instead. In times of war it was often the most accomplished and experienced military commander who was chosen. The final stage was the bestowing of power on the chosen individual by the Comitia Curiata, or Curiate Assembly.
It is thought that the first dictator of Rome was Titus Lartius around the year 501 BC. While serving as consul Lartius faced several threats against Rome including a conspiracy to restore the Tarquin dynasty to the throne of Rome. He was elected as the praetor maximus, an earlier version of the dictator which means 'Master of Infantry'. In this role he was tasked with securing the future of the Roman Republic at all costs by commanding Rome's military and quelling the various threats, which he succeeded in doing. After completing his task he resigned from his dictatorship, an act that many of his successors would follow, usually limiting their term to six months, or until whatever crisis had been averted.
However towards the end of the republic two people, Lucius Cornelius Sulla and Gaius Julius Caesar, were appointed as dictator not due to a short term emergency but rather to restore the Republic. Caesar in particular had his dictator term increased to ten years in 46 BC and eventually for life, shortly before he died. After his death the office was abolished.
Duties of the dictator
As mentioned above, the main duty of the dictator was to assume control over all aspects of the Republic with unrivalled authority (except the Tribune of the Plebs) during times of crisis. This meant that all other offices became subject to the will of the dictator, and while they continued to carry out the duties of their own office they had to obey the command of the dictator. This was seen as a necessary policy if the dictator was to have a chance of succeeding in his mission. As dictator, an individual also had the ability to change laws at will and introduce new ones without ratification from any of the Roman assemblies.
However the Romans were well aware of the issues involved with letting a single person have absolute power, hence why their traditional government hierarchy had two consuls at the top who could veto each other's decisions. To avoid the possibility of a dictator holding total power and ruling like the Kings of Rome had there were safety checks put in place. By 300 BC laws were put in place that allowed certain individuals to block, or at least challenge actions by the dictator. The chief official able to do this was the Tribune of the Plebs.
It is thought that dictators could also be held responsible for their actions after resigning from their office, as an attempt to curb any corruption or rash behaviour. This is not known for sure though, as some sources claim they were exempt from all prosecution for actions while serving as dictator.
However the Romans were well aware of the issues involved with letting a single person have absolute power, hence why their traditional government hierarchy had two consuls at the top who could veto each other's decisions. To avoid the possibility of a dictator holding total power and ruling like the Kings of Rome had there were safety checks put in place. By 300 BC laws were put in place that allowed certain individuals to block, or at least challenge actions by the dictator. The chief official able to do this was the Tribune of the Plebs.
It is thought that dictators could also be held responsible for their actions after resigning from their office, as an attempt to curb any corruption or rash behaviour. This is not known for sure though, as some sources claim they were exempt from all prosecution for actions while serving as dictator.
post-Republic
The last person to ever serve as Dictator of Rome was Julius Caesar, who met his end at the hands of a group of conspirators in 44 BC. This was largely due to the fear that he would never willingly give up his position and power and would return the Republic to a kingdom once more. Shortly after his death a law was passed by his friend and supporter, Mark Antony, officially abolishing the position of the dictator once and for all.
Once the final civil wars of the Roman Republic were over and Octavian became Emperor he assumed all the powers of the dictator without officially being declared as one (despite being offered by the Senate). This held the illusion that the Republic was still active, but in reality it had now transformed into the Roman Empire with Octavian (now called Augustus) as its head of state.
Once the final civil wars of the Roman Republic were over and Octavian became Emperor he assumed all the powers of the dictator without officially being declared as one (despite being offered by the Senate). This held the illusion that the Republic was still active, but in reality it had now transformed into the Roman Empire with Octavian (now called Augustus) as its head of state.