On This Day in Ancient History - Augustus

On this day in ancient history, in 12 B.C., Augustus became Pontifex Maximus. The Pontifex Maximus was the highest pontifex. Pontifex may come from the Latin words for bridge [pons] (or an Etruscan word for road) + maker [from facio]. The Pontifex Maximus held office for life. He chose the vestal virgins, the flamines, and the rex sacrorum. From the time of Augustus, the position of Pontifex Maximus became part of the role of emperor. Later, popes used the title Pontifex Maximus.