Essay Questions

What was a pontifex maximus and what roles does he had in the ancient society of the Roman Empire?

The name pontifex maximus is used here to make reference to a religious position in the Roman Empire. The pontifex maximus was the greatest priest, the most important religious position in ancient Rome. The position was given exclusively to someone from the royal family and in time it was common for the Emperor to also be named pontifex maximus. The person who was named pontifex maximus had both religious and legal power. Firstly, the high priest was responsible for upholding the morals of the time and also taking place of the religious buildings in the realms. The priest also had to make sure that the rituals were performed according to custom and that the Gods were pleased. The priest also had legal power and was the only one who could legally perform marriage ceremonies, chose burial places, and deal with issues concerning successions and testaments.

What did the expulsion of Tarquin represent?

The expulsion of Tarquin took place sometime in 510 B.C. and it represents the moment when King Lucius Tarquinius Superbus was overthrown during a political revolution. This marks an important moment because from that point on, the Roman Empire became a republic, led by elected officials. The political revolution was mostly sparked by the common people and as such, it is considered a pivotal element in the history of the Roman Empire.

What was the Capitol in Rome?

The Capitol was the highest of the seven hills in Rome. Because it was the highest, the Capitol was seen as being the place where man and God could communicate. The biggest temple in Rome was built on the Capitol as well as various administrative buildings. The buildings on the Capitol were often destroyed by fire or during battles but because of their symbolism and importance, those buildings were rebuilt on the same spot time and time again.