rex sacrorum
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The rex sacrorum, or "king of the sacred rites," was an ancient Roman official who inherited religious duties not assumed by state officers after the expulsion of kings. This role, though initially significant, saw its influence wane with the Law of the Twelve Tables and the growing control of secular authorities over religious law.1
The rex sacrorum was a patrician chosen for life and was subordinate to the pontifex maximus, the head of the college of pontifices. While other Roman priesthoods were often held by men prominent in public life, the rex sacrorum and the flamen dialis (priest of Jupiter) had more specialized, professional duties. The rex sacrorum's religious calendar role diminished over time, and he eventually faded into the background of Roman religious institutions.21
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Roman religionPriestsā¦Roman priests belonged to the rex sacrorum (āking of the sacred ritesā), who, after the expulsion of the kings, took over the residue of their religious powers and duties that had not been assumed by the Republican officers of state. Nevertheless, the hold exercised by the rex sacrorum and hisā¦
Read Moreā¦Roman priests belonged to the rex sacrorum (āking of the sacred ritesā), who, after the expulsion of the kings, took over the residue of their religious powers and duties that had not been assumed by the Republican officers of state. Nevertheless, the hold exercised by the rex sacrorum and hisā¦
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ancient RomeThe consulshipā¦performed by a priest-king (rex sacrorum), who held office for life. The kingās military power (imperium) was bestowed upon two annually elected magistrates called consuls. They were always regarded as the chief magistrates of the republic, so much so that the names of each pair were given to theirā¦
Read Moreā¦performed by a priest-king (rex sacrorum), who held office for life. The kingās military power (imperium) was bestowed upon two annually elected magistrates called consuls. They were always regarded as the chief magistrates of the republic, so much so that the names of each pair were given to theirā¦
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