pontifex maximus, at Rome, the head of the college of pontiffs (pontificēs, ‘priests’; see below), exercising disciplinary function over them as well as over the Vestal Virgins, whom he appointed, together with the flamens and rex sacrorum. He also published the decisions (decreta, without the binding force of laws) of the college of pontiffs. He had his official headquarters in the Regia, and an official residence (Domus Publica). The position was one of great dignity and importance, exercising control over the whole state religion; it was held by Julius Caesar and by all the emperors down to Gratian (who dropped the title after AD 381).

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