Pater Patriae

Pater Patriae (plural Patres Patriae), also seen as Parens Patriae, is a Latin honorific title meaning "Father of the Fatherland." It is somewhat analogous to the modern phrase "Father of the Nation," except that the title implies more of a great contribution to the preservation and integrity of a state rather than a great role in the founding of a state.

Related Topics:
Latin - Father - Fatherland - Father of the Nation

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Like all official titles of the Roman Republic, the honor of being called pater patriae was conferred by the Roman Senate. It was first awarded to the great orator Marcus Tullius Cicero for his part in the suppression of the Catilinarian conspiracy during his consulate in 63 BCE. It was next awarded to Julius Caesar, who as dictator was sole master of the Roman world.

Related Topics:
Roman Republic - Roman Senate - Marcus Tullius Cicero - Catilinarian conspiracy - Consul - 63 BCE - Julius Caesar - Dictator

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The Senate voted the title to Caesar Augustus in 2 BCE, but it did not become a part of the core of the Imperial powers and honors, as was imperator, caesar, augustus, princeps senatus, pontifex maximus, and tribunicia potestas; Tiberius did not receive the title. The Senate eventually conferred the title on many Roman emperors, often only after many years of rule (unless the new emperor were particularly esteemed by the senators, as in the case of Nerva. As a result, many of the short-lived Emperors never received the title.

Related Topics:
Caesar Augustus - 2 BCE - Imperator - Caesar - Augustus - Princeps senatus - Pontifex maximus - Tribunicia potestas - Tiberius - Roman emperor - Nerva

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Much later, the Florentine ruler Cosimo de' Medici was granted the title. In the early days of the republic, George Washington was often referred to as pater patriae of the United States of America.

Related Topics:
Florentine - Cosimo de' Medici - George Washington - United States of America

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~