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The '''Pontifex Maximus''' ("Chief Bridge-builder") is the title of the highest ranking [[priest]] of [[Rome]]. It was instituted in 509 BC at the same time as the [[Roman Republic]], and for the next 500 years was an elected office, most often held by a powerful [[senator]]. It was held by [[Julius Caesar]] from 60 BC to 44 BC, and was later given to the Emperor [[Augustus]]. After Augustus the office was held by the Roman emperors, until it was relinquished by the Emperor [[Gratian]] in the fourth century and given to the [[Bishop]] of Rome, thus granting him temporal power over Roman [[religion]]. It has been held by every [[pope]] since, and is the legal, technical basis of the pope's authority.

The '''Pontifex Maximus''' ("Chief Bridge-builder") is the title of the highest ranking [[priest]] of [[Rome]]. It was instituted in 509 BC at the same time as the [[Roman Republic]], and for the next 500 years was an elected office, most often held by a powerful [[senator]]. It was held by [[Julius Caesar]] from 60 BC to 44 BC, and was later given to the Emperor [[Augustus]]. After Augustus the office was held by the Roman emperors, until it was relinquished by the Emperor [[Gratian]] in the fourth century and given to the [[Bishop]] of Rome, thus granting him temporal power over Roman [[religion]]. It has been held by every [[pope]] since, and is the legal, technical basis of the pope's authority.

[[category:religion]]

[[category:Christianity]]

[[Category:Roman History]]

[[Category:Roman History]]