Pontifex Maximus

The Pontifex Maximus was the high priest of the Roman Republic and Empire. The words meant 'greatest bridge-builder'. It was a religious post under the Roman Republic, and a mostly ceremonial post under the Roman Empire. The term was later used in the Roman Catholic Church for the Pope.

Pontifex Maximus Media

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  Augustus as pontifex maximus (Via Labicana Augustus)

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  Denarius depicting Julius Caesar as pontifex maximus

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  Pontifex maximus and Augustus Marcus Aurelius (r. 161–180) performing sacrifice in a relief from the Arch of Marcus Aurelius (Capitoline Museums)

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  Engraving by Christoph Weigel the Elder of Pope Clement XI, giving him the title pontifex maximus