Pontifex Maximus

The word Pontifex Maximus means "Greatest Bridge-Builder". This was the most important position in Rome. The Pontifex Maximus is the learder a a "state cult" which was the polytheistic amcient Roman reliogion.The Pontifex Maximus was not just simply a priest, he had religous and political power. No one knows wich one was more important. The main job of the pontifex was to keep peace with the Gods. Later when the catholics came aloung they adapted their own use for the tittle.