A dictator<span> was a magistrate of the Roman Republic, entrusted with the full authority of the state .Technically, a senatus consultum was advisory, and did not have the </span>force<span> of law, but in practice it's rite involving the </span>driving<span> of a nail into the wall of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, as a protection against pestilence. Hope this helps :)</span>
