Pontifex was the name given to a member of the college (group) of priests that supervised the religious activities of ancient Rome. The college determined when religious holidays and ceremonies would take place. It also gave advice on how to offer sacrifices and perform other religious rites.
Pontifices were appointed for life. They were always members of the Roman noble classes. There were originally 3 pontifices, but this number increased through the centuries. By the 40’s B.C., there were 16 pontifices. The president of the college was called the pontifex maximus. The emperor later held this position.
