Pontifex Maximus

  • In Ancient Rome, the Pontifex Maximus (meaning supreme pontiff) was the Head of the College of Priests located in Rome, the Collegium Pontificum. He was the Head Priest of the Roman Religion.
  • Since 382 CE, the Title has been held by the Pope, the Head of the Roman Catholic Church.

Under the Roman Republic (509-29 BCE)

  • The Pontifex Maximus was responsible for:
    • 16 Pontifices (Priests)
    • 15 Flamines (Priests dedicated to certain Gods)
    • Rex Sacrorum (King of the Sacrifices)
    • !8 Vestal Virgins
  • His Duties included:
    • Maintaining the ‘Pax Deorum’ (the Peace of the Gods’).
    • Responsible for Interpreting and recording the Omens in the ‘Annales Maximi’. This was a record of Key Public Events and their Interpretations, which was used to help analyse current Omens with historical Events to produce an interpretation. The Augures were the Priests in charge of interpreting the Omens.
    • Maintaining the Official Calendar
    • Supervising at Funerals

Under the Roman Empire (29 BCE-576 CE)

  • The Emperors held the Office of ‘Pontifex Maximus’ until 382 CE.

After 382 CE

  • The Emperor Gratian was the last Emperor to hold the title.
  • In 382 CE Gratian gave the Office of ‘Pontifex Maximus’ to the Bishop of Rome, St. Siricius and the Roman Catholic Church has held the Title ever since.
  • Today, the Pope, Head of the Roman Catholic Church, holds the Title of ‘Pontifex Maximus’.

Pontifex Inclytus

  • Gratian was assassinated in 383 CE.
  • His successors changed the Title to ‘Pontifex Inclytus’, which was still kept as a Title by the Roman Emperors.

 

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