Pontifex Maximus

The Pontifex Maximus was the head priest of the Roman state religion, also known as the greatest of the college of pontifices. This was a very prominent position within the ranks of Roman society but was not as important as positions such as consul or praetor. 

During the time of the Republic, the Pontifex Maximus had to be elected by the Comitia Tributa and kept this position for the remainder of his life. In contrast, during the Empire, the Emperor usually claimed and held this position. Also, Ponifices were at first only patricians but social changes during the late Republic allowed the election of plebeians as well. Pontifices were mainly responsible for providing the pax deorum or "peace with the Gods" while the duty of interpreting omens, keeping and controlling the official calendar, and overseeing funerals fell to the Pontifex Maximus. The time where he is most active is during the Roman Holidays.

The Pontifex Maximus was responsible for keeping large collection of omens that would be recorded and collected on a constant basis. The purpose of this collection of omens was to determine the divine favor of the gods. The omens were used to analyze the past will of the gods in order to determine what the will of the gods will be in the future. 

One of the most famous characters in the story that is Roman history, Julius Caesar, was the Pontifex Maximus of his time and remained the Pontifex Maximus until his untimely death.