Caesar (title)

Caesar
Sculpture depiction of Julius Caesar
PronunciationEnglish: /ˈszər/ SEE-zər
Classical Latin: [ˈkae̯sar]
GenderMale
Language(s)Latin
Origin
Region of originRoman Empire
Other names
Variant form(s)
Popularitysee popular names

Caesar (Latin: [ˈkae̯.sar] English pl. Caesars; Latin pl. Caesares; in Greek: Καῖσαρ Kaîsar) is a title of imperial character. It derives from the cognomen of the Roman dictator Julius Caesar. The change from being a surname to a title used by the Roman emperors can be traced to AD 68, following the fall of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. When used on its own, the title denoted heirs apparent, who would later adopt the title Augustus on accession.[1] The title remained an essential part of the style of the emperors, and became the word for "emperor" in some languages, such as German (kaiser) and Russian (tsar).

  1. ^ Greenidge 1901, p. 353-355.

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