Flamen
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A flamen was a specific type of priest in the ancient Roman religion and one of the oldest classes of the Roman priesthood, with origins likely predating the Republican era. These flamines, of which t
Representation of Fulvia Celera, a flaminica from the city of Tarraco who lived between the I and II CE.
Flamines, distinguished by their pointed apices, as part of a procession on the Augustan Altar of Peace
Portrait of a flamen, Louvre museum, Paris, Ma 431
Bas relief from Arch of Marcus Aurelius showing sacrifice
Pontifex maximus
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The pontifex maximus was the chief high priest of the College of Pontiffs in ancient Rome. This was the most important position in the ancient Roman religion, open only to patricians until 254 BC, whe
Flamen
…processes for Roman priests, nominations for the flaminates were now handled by the more egalitarian Tribal Assembly. They would then be provided to the pontifex maximus, the head of the Pontifical College, who "scrutinized each candidate's qualifications in order to ensure that he...[was] fit to serve." After a new…
Augustus as pontifex maximus (Via Labicana Augustus)
Pontifex maximus and Augustus Marcus Aurelius (r. 161–180) performing sacrifice in a relief from the Arch of Marcus Aurelius (Capitoline Museums)
Engraving by Christoph Weigel the Elder of Pope Clement XI, giving him the title pontifex maximus