What Does Dictator Mean in Ancient Rome

dictator, in the Roman Republic, a temporary magistrate with extraordinary powers, nominated by a consul on the recommendation of the Senate and confirmed by the Comitia Curiata

What did dictator mean?

1a : a person granted absolute emergency power especially, history : one appointed by the senate (see senate sense 1b) of ancient Rome. b : one holding complete autocratic control : a person with unlimited governmental power. c : one ruling in an absolute (see absolute sense 2) and often oppressive way fascist …

Why did Rome have a dictator?

The Romans, however, came up with a way to sidestep these checks and balances when strong leadership was needed, such as a time of crisis. The Senate could vote to grant absolute power to one man, called a dictator, for a temporary period.