Romanæ historiæ anthologia An English exposition of the Romane antiquities, wherein many Romane and English offices are paralleld and divers obscure phrases explained. By Thomas Godwyn Master of Arts: for the vse of Abingdon Schoole.

CHAP. 12.

De Dictatore.

VVHensoever the Romanes found themselues en∣combred with dangerous warres, or any other eminent dangers, they presently chose a Dictator, to whō alone was committed the authority and rule of the whole kingdome, differing from a King onely in respect of his name, & the continuance of his office. Touching his name he was so called, quoniam dictis eius parebat populus. His of∣fice continued but six months and at the expiration there∣of if need required he was chosen againe for another six months. He was also calledi 1.1 Populi Magister, in as much as none could make their appeale from him vnto the peo∣ple. As soone as himselfe was established in his office hee chose a subordinate officer whom he calledk 1.2 Equitum ma∣gister: his authoritie much resembled his whom they called Vrbi praefectum: for as the Praefectus vrbi in the absence of

the absence of the king, so this Magister Equitum in ab∣sence of the Dictator had full and vncontroleable authori∣tie of doing what he would.

Notes

• i 1.1

  Pighius in Tyrannif.
• k 1.2

  Stadius in Flor. l. 1. c. 11.