Technically true, but I think that's misleading. The office of dictator in the Roman Republic wasn't something extraordinary. There were at least 76 appointments over the ~450 years that the office was used, or about one every 6 years on average.
The term was time-limited, and for a specific purpose. During their term, they would have imperium (basically, the power to command any army and issue any law), but at the end of the term or when the cause was dealt with, the dictator would step down and the normal processes would resume.
Yes, dictators were appointed during times of war and sedition. But also for mundane reasons, such as to coordinate elections and run games.
The term was time-limited, and for a specific purpose. During their term, they would have imperium (basically, the power to command any army and issue any law), but at the end of the term or when the cause was dealt with, the dictator would step down and the normal processes would resume.
Yes, dictators were appointed during times of war and sedition. But also for mundane reasons, such as to coordinate elections and run games.