What made Julius Caesar a “Roman Dictator?
In times of emergency, such as enemy attack, the Roman Republic could appoint a temporary king. This person, given the title of “dictator,” was appointed by the senate and had supreme control over Rome for a specified period of time. His word, while he was in power, was law. Hence, “dictator,” from a Latin word meaning, “I have spoken.” Generally, a dictator held office for six months, a time that would — hopefully — be adequate to handle the emergency.
