Anthony, SkipCaptcha, Upload, Automoderated users, edit
2,341
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Line 60:
Line 60: + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
New Career Section - Pontifex Maximus
Julius Caesar then made himself the provincial ruler (proconsul) of [[Gaul]] (modern-day [[France]]). He conquered vast amounts of territory for Rome and, while fighting abroad, sent written reports back to Rome of the victories he was winning to sustain his popularity and to ensure that the people did not forget him. Back in Rome, Julius Caesar’s plan was working, and Pompey became increasingly jealous (by this time, Crassus had died in battle). Pompey, with the support of the [[Roman Senate|Senate]], objected to Julius Caesar’s actions and ordered him to disband his army and return to Rome. He refused, and in an act of direct defiance to the Senate, led his loyal troops across the Rubicon River to Rome and conquered it in 49 B. C. The expression, “crossing the Rubicon” is used today to describe an act from which there is no turning back. Julius Caesar went on to defeat Pompey at the [[Battle of Pharsalus]] in 48 B.C. This left Julius Caesar firmly in control of Rome, and he then took his veteran army on campaigns in [[Egypt]] (where he installed ally [[Cleopatra]] as queen), Asia Minor, [[Africa]] and [[Spain]] before returning to Rome again in 45 B.C. Rome ruled much of the Western civilized world as result of these military campaigns. It is interesting to note that Caesar did not start his string of incredible military victories until he was well into middle age. The Roman Senate appointed Julius Caesar as dictator for life in 46 B.C.
Julius Caesar then made himself the provincial ruler (proconsul) of [[Gaul]] (modern-day [[France]]). He conquered vast amounts of territory for Rome and, while fighting abroad, sent written reports back to Rome of the victories he was winning to sustain his popularity and to ensure that the people did not forget him. Back in Rome, Julius Caesar’s plan was working, and Pompey became increasingly jealous (by this time, Crassus had died in battle). Pompey, with the support of the [[Roman Senate|Senate]], objected to Julius Caesar’s actions and ordered him to disband his army and return to Rome. He refused, and in an act of direct defiance to the Senate, led his loyal troops across the Rubicon River to Rome and conquered it in 49 B. C. The expression, “crossing the Rubicon” is used today to describe an act from which there is no turning back. Julius Caesar went on to defeat Pompey at the [[Battle of Pharsalus]] in 48 B.C. This left Julius Caesar firmly in control of Rome, and he then took his veteran army on campaigns in [[Egypt]] (where he installed ally [[Cleopatra]] as queen), Asia Minor, [[Africa]] and [[Spain]] before returning to Rome again in 45 B.C. Rome ruled much of the Western civilized world as result of these military campaigns. It is interesting to note that Caesar did not start his string of incredible military victories until he was well into middle age. The Roman Senate appointed Julius Caesar as dictator for life in 46 B.C.
==Pontifex Maximus==
In '''63 BC''' Julius Caesar was elected [[Pontifex Maximus]] for which he risked the entire family fortune to obtain through the purchase of votes to the highest priestly office in the Roman Republic.<ref>Suetonius, ''Divus Julius'', 13</ref> In modern terms he became the lifelong and more powerful version of we might call the cabinet '''Minister for Religion'''. His desire for the role was so great that Julius accrued debts therebuy bigger than he could repay; therefore he famously told his mother that morning as he left the house for the Forum:
<center>
''“Mother, today you will see your son either as Pontifex Maximus… or as an exile.”''<ref>Suetonius, ''Divus Julius'', 13</ref>
</center>
Caesar’s earlier service as [[Flamen Dialis]], the High Priest of Jupiter, also strengthened his candidacy. Although the position had once restricted his political activity, it remained one of the most venerable priesthoods in Rome and gave him recognised religious standing. This background, combined with his bold campaigning, made his election as Pontifex Maximus credible despite his youth.
Holding the office also gave Caesar substantial political leverage. The [[Pontifex Maximus]] controlled Rome’s religious calendar, including the insertion of intercalary months, which determined the legal length of a magistrate’s term and the timing of elections. By adjusting or regularizing the calendar, the chief priest could influence political momentum, extend the tenure of allies, or shorten that of opponents. The office also oversaw the interpretation of omens and auspices, which carried legal weight in the Senate and assemblies; a favourable omen could validate public action, while an unfavourable one could halt legislation, delay elections, or prevent a military departure.
In addition, the [[Pontifex Maximus]] supervised all priestly colleges, giving Caesar indirect influence over elite religious bodies whose members were drawn from Rome’s most powerful families. Control over sacred law and ritual precedent allowed him to shape public religious life in ways that supported his political agenda. Although technically a religious office, the Pontifex Maximus possessed tools that could subtly but effectively steer civic affairs, '''making it one of the most politically consequential positions in the Republic'''.
The [[Pontifex Maximus]] was traditionally regarded as the religious ‘Father’ of Rome, addressed as ''“Father of the Priests”''' (Latin: Pater Patrum), and held lifetime authority over sacred law, the religious calendar, augury, and all priestly colleges. This role was paternal, sacral, and permanent — ''a religious fatherhood that long pre‑dated Christianity'' and is the ancient analogue of the later title "Holy Father" / ‘Pope’ (Latin/Spanish/German/Dutch: Papa).
As [[Pontifex Maximus]], Julius Caesar exercised his religious authority actively and politically. He reorganized the calendar, corrected long‑standing abuses in the priestly colleges, and used the office’s prestige to strengthen his public standing in Rome. The position gave him control over sacred law, festival timing, and the interpretation of omens — all of which carried significant influence in Roman public life. Although the office had traditionally been non‑executive, Caesar’s assertive use of its powers elevated the Pontifex Maximus from a primarily ceremonial priesthood into a central instrument of statecraft. His tenure marks the moment when Rome’s chief priest became a visible participant in governance, setting the stage for later developments in his career and in the constitutional evolution of Rome.