an absolute sovereign; a tyrant. The word originally had the same signification as the Latin *heros*, and the English *master*; but in time it underwent the same change as the word *Cesar* did with regard to Augustus; *BACIAEYC* answering to Augustus, and *ΔΕΣΠΟΤΗC*, to Cesar. Thus, Nicephorus having ordered his son Stauracius to be crowned, the son, out of respect, would only take the title of *ΔΕΣΠΟΤΗC*, leaving to his father that of *ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥC*. This delicacy, however, did not last long; for the following emperors preferred the quality of *ΔΕΣΠΟΤΗC* to that of *ΒΑΣΙΛΕΥC*, particularly Constantine, Michael Duca, Nicephorus Botoniates, Romanus Diogenes, the Comneni, and some others. In imitation of the princes, the princesses likewise assumed the title of *ΔΕΣΠΟΤΙΝΑ*. It was the Emperor Alexius, surnamed the Angel, who created the dignity of despot, and made it the first after that of emperor, and superior to that of Augustus or Sebastocrator and Cesar. The despots were usually the emperors' sons or sons-in-law, and their colleagues or partners in the empire, as well as their presumptive heirs. The despots who were sons of the emperors had more privileges and authority than those who were only sons-in-law. Under the successors of Constantine the Great, the title "Despot of Sparta" was given to the emperor's son or brother, who had the city of Sparta or Lacedaemon by way of appanage.