Caesar (title)
 Sculpture depicting Julius Caesar | |
| Pronunciation | English: /ˈsiːzər/ SEE-zər Classical Latin: [ˈkae̯sar] |
|---|---|
| Gender | Male |
| Language | Latin |
| Origin | |
| Meaning | Short hair (disputed), nickname then title |
| Region of origin | Roman Republic |
| Other names | |
| Variant forms | |
| Popularity | see popular names |
| Caesar | |
|---|---|
| Καῖσαρ | |
 Seal of the Caesar John Doukas | |
| Style | My lord caesar (Δέσποτά μου καίσαρ) Your Majesty (Ἡ βασιλεία σου) |
| Member of | Roman Imperial Family |
| Appointer | |
| Term length |
|
| Formation | 8 June 68 |
| First holder | Piso Licinianus |
| Final holder | John Palaiologos |
| Abolished | May 29, 1453 |
| Succession | Third (After 1163) Second (after 1081) First |
Caesar is a title of imperial character. It derives from the cognomen of 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. 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 Slavic (Tsar).