pontifex maximus

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pontifex maximus

pontifex maximus , highest priest of Roman religion and official head of the college of pontifices. As the chief administrator of religious affairs he regulated the conduct of religious ceremonies, consecrated temples and other holy places, and controlled the calendar. During the time of the empire, and until Christianity became firmly established, the emperor was designated pontifex maximus. After the supremacy of Christianity, the popes assumed the title.

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"pontifex maximus." The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

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Pontifex Maximus

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions | 1997 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions 1997, originally published by Oxford University Press 1997. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Pontifex Maximus (Lat., pontifex, ‘bridge-maker’, of uncertain significance). Title of the pope. It was originally the title of the chief pagan priest at Rome. In English it is rendered ‘supreme pontiff’.

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JOHN BOWKER. "Pontifex Maximus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

JOHN BOWKER. "Pontifex Maximus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (November 16, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-PontifexMaximus.html

JOHN BOWKER. "Pontifex Maximus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions. 1997. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O101-PontifexMaximus.html

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Pontifex Maximus

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church | 2000 | | Â© The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church 2000, originally published by Oxford University Press 2000. (Hide copyright information) Copyright

Pontifex Maximus (Lat., ‘Supreme Pontiff’). Originally a pagan title for the chief priest at Rome, from the 15th cent. it became a regular title of honour for Popes.

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E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Pontifex Maximus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. 16 Nov. 2009 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>.

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Pontifex Maximus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Encyclopedia.com. (November 16, 2009). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-PontifexMaximus.html

E. A. LIVINGSTONE. "Pontifex Maximus." The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church. 2000. Retrieved November 16, 2009 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O95-PontifexMaximus.html

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