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Octavian-Viria

Octavian, a former self-appointed Pontifex Maximus.

The Pontifex Maximus (in Latin PONTIFEX MAXIMVS, "greatest bridge-builder") is the highest position available at Camp Jupiter, only used during crisis situations.

Description[]

In the Roman Republic, the Pontifex Maximus was the highest elected religious official of ancient Rome and directed the College of Pontiffs (Collegium Pontificum), wielding both political and religious authority. He was elected by the Tribal Assembly and served for life, residing in the Domus Publica (“public house") and officed in the Regia, the site of the royal palace in the days of the monarchy.

Reyna Ramírez-Arellano stated no demigod in living memory had taken the title of pontifex maximus; by doing so they would compare themselves to an emperor. Interestingly, though, the legionaries as a whole act as if the pontifex maximus rank is no longer in effect upon Reyna's return. This implies the rank is used in emergencies when the legion lacks a praetor or that it simply does not outrank a praetor.

The Heroes of Olympus[]

The Blood of Olympus[]

While experiencing dream visions, Reyna sees Camp Jupiter's forces preparing for the invasion on Camp Half-Blood. She then sees Octavian wearing a white cloth mantle over his head which marked him as the Pontifex, this made her want to strangle him.

After the underwater battle with Polybotes, Kymopoleia calls Jason Grace pontifex and reminds him to keep his promise about honoring every minor god there is a shrine in Camp Jupiter and Camp Half-Blood.

After Gaea's defeat, Nico di Angelo mentions the Roman Senate thinking about electing Jason the new Pontifex Maximus.

Known Pontifices Maximi[]

Trivia[]

  • Imperator Caesar Augustus, the first Roman emperor, assumed the office of Pontifex Maximus in 13 BC, following the death of Marcus Aemilius Lepidus (who was a part of the Second Triumvirate alongside Augustus and Marcus Antonius); afterwards, the chief priest's office was moved from the Regia to Augustus' personal residence, the Domus Augusti (“house of Augustus”), located atop Rome's Palatine Hill.
  • In Ancient Rome, priests wore their toga with a covered head to offer sacrifice, libation, prayer and to peform augury. It seems the practice is no longer in effect in New Rome or that Octavian usually forewent the practice for whatever reason.
  • It is unknown if Jason was made Pontifex Maximus before his death.
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