Duce ( , ) is an Italian title, derived from the Latin word "dux" "leader", and a cognate of "duke". National Fascist Party leader Benito Mussolini was identified by Fascists as "Il Duce" ("The Leader") of the movement since the birth of the Fasci Italiani di Combattimento in 1919. In 1925 it became a reference to the dictatorial position of "Sua Eccellenza Benito Mussolini, Capo del Governo, Duce del Fascismo e Fondatore dell'Impero" (""His Excellency Benito Mussolini, Head of Government, Leader of Fascism and Founder of the Empire"").