Pontifex maximus - Wikipedia Julius Caesar became pontifex in 73 BC and pontifex maximus in 63 BC The major Republican source on the pontiffs would have been the theological writings of Varro, which survive only in fragments preserved by later authors such as Aulus Gellius and Nonius Marcellus
Pontifex | Roman Religion Ancient Rites | Britannica The title pontifex was used of Roman Catholic bishops and pontifex maximus of the pope by the end of the 4th century In modern usage, both terms generally refer to the pope
Pontifex Maximus - New World Encyclopedia After Christ himself, the pope is considered to be the "high priest" (the veritable meaning of summus pontifex and "pontifex maximus") However, this term is not officially included in his titles, but it is used in practice in the headings of his encyclicals and other papal documents
The divine power of the Pontifex Maximus in ancient Rome The Pontifex Maximus generally held supreme authority over Rome’s religious life and had influence in the political arena From the regal period to the Christian transformation of the empire, the office generally remained essential to how Romans understood divine will and civic duty
The Role of Pontifex Maximus in Ancient Rome The Pontifex Maximus —“greatest bridge-builder”—was the highest religious office in ancient Rome It oversaw public rituals, calendar control, and sacred law Though rooted in pagan tradition, the office profoundly influenced later Christian structures, including the papacy
Pontifex Maximus - Livius The word pontifex is sometimes explained as 'bridge builder', but is in fact related to the Etruscan word pont, 'road', and means something like 'preparer of the road'
The Role of the Pontifex in Roman Religious Authority Central to this system of religious authority was the role of the Pontifex, a position that symbolized the intersection of spirituality, governance, and community leadership
Pontiff - Wikipedia And in the Vulgate version of the Letter to the Hebrews, "pontifex" (singular) is repeatedly used with reference to the then still extant High Priesthood in Judaism, and analogously suggesting Jesus Christ as the ultimate high priest