Definition: The rex sacrificulus (rex sacrificus or rex sacrorum.) came about when the monarchy gave way to the Republic. The consuls took the civil and administrative power of the king and the rex sacrificulus took his religious power. Although he was ranked higher than the pontifex maximus in the religious order of the Roman priests (Ordo sacerdotum), the rex sacrificulus grew less important over time. The rex sacrificulus was appointed for life. He couldn't hold other civil or military positions. The duty of the rex sacrificulus was to perform the public religious duties (sacra publica) that had been the function of the kings. The wife of the rex sacrificulus was called the regina sacrorum. As her name shows, she had queenly religious functions, which honored Juno.
Source: William Smith, A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (1875).
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