I'm no historian ... I just remember reading about this history a long time ago. The most famous story is about Cincinnatus.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lucius_Quinctius_Cincinnatus

The most famous story related to Cincinnatus occurs after his retirement from public service to a simple life of farming. As Roman forces struggled to defeat the Aequi, Cincinnatus was summoned from his plough to assume complete control over the state. After achieving a swift victory in sixteen days, Cincinnatus relinquished power and its privileges, returning to labor on his farm.

Whether or not it was true is anyone's guess as it was written Roman history and it is debated as to whether or not it happened but there are enough examples through Roman history of government being handed over like this to a 'Dictator' and then handed back. It was considered just a way of getting things done as quickly as possible during emergencies and then when things normalized again, senates and groups of elected officials could take their time debating stuff again.

Isn't it literally the one who dictates? (Maybe you were skipping that step)