Definition of the glossary term magistrate
In Rome, a magistrate was an official that had political and military authority. Most were known as Magistratus ordinarii (ordinary magistrate), who were annually elected officials, usually elected in pairs to avoid one man having too much power. This position included the offices of:
The Magistratus extraordinarii (extraordinary magistrate) was an elected position only used under special circumstances, and included:
- Dictator
- Rex
- Magister equitrum
- Decemviri
- Triumviri
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