Pater Patriae

Pater Patriae (lit.'Father of the Fatherland'; pl.Patres Patriae) was an honorific title in ancient Rome. The title was granted by the Roman Senate. During the Roman Republic, it was awarded only twice: to Camillus and Cicero. Under the Roman Empire, it was exclusively granted to the Roman emperor, usually after many years of successful rule. Not all emperors were offered the title, while others were offered it but refused to accept it. A total of 23 emperors received the title, beginning with Augustus.

During the early modern and late modern periods, the same Latin title was granted to several national leaders by their subjects or parliaments. More recently, the equivalent title has been father of the nation, translated into the national language.