Question

Before he declared himself "Emperor," Julius Caesar gave himself a perpetual position that formerly had been limited to just six months. This title derives from the Latin for "one who gives orders." What is it?

Answer 1

The perpetual title Julius Caesar gave to himself before declaring himself dictator for life was 'dictator.' He also held the title of 'Princeps Senatus,' and after his death, Augustus became the first recognized emperor using the title 'Princeps Civitatis'.

Step-by-step explanation:

Julius Caesar and His Titles

Before Julius Caesar declared himself dictator for life, he held a title that was traditionally limited to six months, derived from the Latin term for "one who gives orders." He managed to extend the role indefinitely, signifying a shift from the Roman Republic to autocracy. The title you are referring to is dictator, a role that was granted to him in 44 BCE permanently, though this was traditionally a temporary emergency position in the Roman Republic.

The term Princeps Senatus was also applied to Caesar as a leader of the Senate, giving him paramount prestige and authority. This title later influenced the term 'principate,' used to describe the early Roman Empire's political system.

After Caesar's assassination, Augustus Caesar (Octavian) rose to power and was declared the first emperor of Rome. He used the title Princeps Civitatis, meaning 'first citizen,' to maintain a republican facade while holding the ultimate power in the empire. His reign marked the official start of the Roman Empire.