 Since the Dictator exercised his own authority, he did not suffer this limitation, which was the cornerstone of the office's power.When a Dictator entered office, he appointed to serve as his second-in-command a "magister equitum", the Master of the Horse, whose office ceased to exist once the Dictator left office.The magister equitum held Praetorian imperium, was attended by six lictors, and was charged with assisting the Dictator in managing the State.