Who was the pontifex maximus in Rome?

emerge into prominence under a pontifex maximus, or supreme priest, who took over the king’s duties as chief administrator of religious law. During the republican period the number of pontifices increased until by the time of Julius Caesar there were 16.

What does pontifex mean in English?

pontifex, (Latin: “bridge builder”, ) plural Pontifices, member of a council of priests in ancient Rome.

How did Julius Caesar become pontifex maximus?

The pontifex maximus was elected by the comitia tributa, an assembly of the people that was divided into voting districts. After 104 BCE, the ordinary pontifices were also elected – until then, they had been coopted. Julius Caesar was elected pontifex maximus in 63 BCE and kept the office until his death.

How did Augustus become pontifex maximus?

In 27 BC he accepted from the senate a package of rights and powers which effectively made him Rome’s first emperor, and was given the name Augustus. Augustus’ rule lasted until his death in AD 14 when he was deified during Tiberius’ reign.

Where does the word pontiff come from?

The word “pontiff” comes from the Latin “pontifex,” meaning “bridge-builder.” “Pontifex maximus” was the great bridge-builder of ancient Rome, a title held by the likes of Julius Caesar.

What is a pontiff in ancient Rome?

any high or chief priest. Ecclesiastical. a bishop. the Roman Catholic pope, the Bishop of Rome.

What is the origin of pontifex?

The etymology of “pontifex” is uncertain, but the word has been used since Roman times. The word appears to consist of the Latin word for “bridge” and the suffix for “maker”. According to the common interpretation, the term pontifex means “bridge-builder” (pons + facere); “maximus” means “greatest”.

What did Pontifex Maximus do for Rome?

In the Roman Republic, the pontifex maximus was the highest office in the state religion of ancient Rome and directed the College of Pontiffs.

What is the real name of the supreme pontiff?

Francis
The current pope is Francis, who was elected on 13 March 2013.

What is the origin of the word pontiff?

The English term derives through Old French pontif from Latin pontifex, a word commonly held to come from the Latin root words pons, pont- (bridge) + facere (to do, to make), and so to have the literal meaning of “bridge-builder”, presumably between mankind and the deity/deities.

Is the Pope called Pontifex Maximus?

The title of “Pontifex Maximus,” dating back to the times of the Roman Republic, was eventually adopted by the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. After Christ himself, the pope is considered to be the “high priest” (the veritable meaning of summus pontifex and “pontifex maximus”).

What was the Roman pontifex?

The pontifex maximus (Latin for “greatest priest”) was the chief high priest of the College of Pontiffs (Collegium Pontificum) in ancient Rome. This was the most important position in the ancient Roman religion, open only to patricians until 254 BC, when a plebeian first occupied this post.

What was the role of the Pontifex Maximus?

The Pontifex Maximus (Latin, “greatest priest”) was the chief high priest of the College of Pontiffs (Collegium Pontificum) in ancient Rome. This was the most important position in the ancient Roman religion, open only to patricians until 254 BC, when a plebeian first occupied this post.

What is the etymology of the word pontifex?

The etymology of “pontifex” is uncertain, but the word has been used since Roman times. The word appears to consist of the Latin word for “bridge” and the suffix for “maker”.

Who was the highest pontiff of the Roman Empire?

Various forms of summus pontifex (highest pontiff or bishop) were for centuries used not only of the Bishop of Rome but of other bishops also. Hilary of Arles (d. 449) is styled summus pontifex by Eucherius of Lyons (P. L., L, 773), and Lanfranc is termed primas et pontifex summus by his biographer, Milo Crispin (P.

How was the Pontifex of Rome elected?

During the Republic, the Pontifex was elected by the Comitia Tributa and served for life, while during the Empire, the position was generally held by the Emperor himself. Originally, the Ponifices were Patrician only, but the social conditions and changes during the late Republic allowed for Plebeian election as well.