What was a dictator in ancient rome

This measure was successful and was sometimes repeated. A consul or in emergency situations praetor could appoint a dictator; this proposal could not be vetoed. The dictator was more powerful than a consul, which was shown by the fact that he had twice as many bodyguards 24 lictores - at least, this is what the Roman historian Livy seems to have said about the dictatorship of Sulla.

It was impossible to appeal against the measures of the dictator. In fact, we can summarize his magistracy as a military potentate who briefly took over the government. During the first years of the Republic, dictators were often called on when Rome faced an invasion or some internal danger.

Unlike the dictators of the 20th century—such as Adolf Hitler in Germany or Augusto Pinochet in Chile—the dictatorship was limited to six months or even less if the crisis passed. If a dictator refused to step down, he could be forcibly removed.

The Roman dictator's power was absolute. He could rule by decree. He could even order executions without a trial. For centuries, Roman dictators served when duty called and gave up power when their terms ended.

But in 82 B. Sulla's dictatorship was not like those of the past. He bypassed the Senate, which was filled with his enemies, and convinced the citizens' assembly to make him a permanent dictator. Sulla then banished or killed hundreds of his opponents. Sulla became what the ancient Greeks called a tyrant , a man who seizes personal control with military power. When he traveled in public, Sulla was always preceded by 24 guards.

Each guard carried an ax bound by a bundle of rods called fasces. This is the origin of the word fascism —the word the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini used to describe his political movement in the early 20th century.

After more than three years of tyranny, Sulla suddenly resigned. For the next 30 years, the Roman Republic stumbled along, sometimes in near anarchy.

Spartacus led a massive slave revolt that almost brought down the Republic. During all this turmoil, new feuds and factions emerged. This would be the last generation of the Roman Republic.

By 53 B. The annual consul election degenerated into a contest of who could bribe the most voters. Street riots erupted. In a desperate move to restore order, the assembly elected General Gnaeus Pompey to serve as sole consul for a year. Crassus was the general who had defeated Spartacus.

And Caesar was the governor and military conqueror of Gaul. This military committee became known as the First Triumvirate. Caesar used his money and influence to put supporters like Mark Antony into key positions. Caesar's many enemies in Rome spread rumors that he planned to take power. In 49 B. Foes of Caesar spread the word that Caesar was about to invade Italy with his army.

The consul Marcellus declared Pompey the defender of the city. The Senate demanded that Caesar give up his provincial command. Caesar answered by leading his army across the Rubicon River into Italy. This " crossing of the Rubicon " was an act of war, since a Roman general was forbidden to lead an army outside the province he governed. Pompey and most of the senators fled the country. Unlike Sulla, Caesar did not butcher his opponents. He attempted to form alliances with them, and he had himself elected consul.

Caesar then took his army in pursuit of Pompey and defeated him in Africa. After staying for some time with Cleopatra in Egypt, Caesar returned to Rome. By 45 B. Authors Instructors Media Booksellers Librarians. Quick search: search for products or web pages, depending on options selected below.

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