Pontifex Maximus

(proper noun)

The official head, or "chief priest," of Roman state religion. In Imperial Rome this title and office was given to the Emperor.

Related Terms

  • insula
  • plebian
  • equite
  • pater familias
  • pontifex maximus
  • augury
  • haruspicy
  • plebeian
  • patrician

Examples of Pontifex Maximus in the following topics:

  • Imperial Sculpture in the Early Roman Empire

    • Two portraits of him, one as Pontifex Maximus and the other as Imperator, depict two different personae of the emperor.
    • Augustus's portrait as Pontifex Maximus shows him attired with a toga over his ever-youthful head, an attribute that serves to remind viewers of his own extreme piety to the gods.
    • Upon the death of Augustus, Tiberius (r. 14-37 CE) assumed the title of emperor and Pontifex Maximus of Rome.
  • The Seven Kings

    • He also established the office and duties of Pontifex Maximus, the head priest of the Roman state religion.
    • He used the treasures Rome had acquired from conquests to build great monuments for Rome, including the Roman Forum, the temple to Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill, and the Circus Maximus.
    • Tarquinius also engaged in a series of public works, notably the completion of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus on the Capitoline Hill.
    • Nineteenth century illustration depicting the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus above the Tiber River during the Roman Republic.
  • Roman Society

    • Some of the highest religious offices, such as the Pontifex Maximus, was a sought after political position, which eventually became one of the titles of the emperor.
  • Muscles that Cause Movement at the Hip Joint

    • Gluteus Maximus - The gluteus maximus is the largest of the gluteal muscles and gives structure to the buttocks.
    • Gluteus Medius - The fan-shaped gluteus medius muscle lies between the gluteus maximus and minimus and performs a similar function to the gluteus minimus.
    • The gluteus maximus can be seen at the top, cut away to expose the underlying muscles.
  • Ilium

    • The gluteus maximus originates from the external surface adjacent to the posterior gluteal line, the gluteus medius from adjacent to the anterior line, and the gluteus minimus from the inferior line.
  • Femur (The Thigh)

    • Two key features of the shaft are the proximal gluteal tuberosity to which the gluteus maximus attaches, and the distal adductor tubercle to which the adductor magnus attaches.
  • Running Injuries

    • The hamstrings and gluteus maximus are not involved in the push off phase of running, contrary to popular belief.
  • Formation and Comparison of Adverbs

    • magnus, large, major, maximus.
  • The Establishment of the Roman Republic

    • He also secured Rome’s position as head of the Latin cities and engaged in a series of public works, such as the completion of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus.
  • Etruscan Sculpture

    • Besides this sculpture, Vulca is credited by Roman historians with the creation of the cult statue for the Temple of Jupiter Optiumus Maximus, the most important temple in Rome.
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