When did authoritarian start?

Authoritarianism as a form of governance has roots in ancient civilizations, but it became more formally recognized in the 20th century. The term itself gained prominence in the 1920s to describe regimes that concentrated power in the hands of a single leader or ruling party, often suppressing political opposition and civil liberties. Notable examples include fascist Italy under Mussolini and Nazi Germany under Hitler. Authoritarianism continues to evolve and manifest in various forms around the world today.