jan 1, 12 BC - Augustus Ends Pontifex Maximus

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In 12 BC, Augustus ended the election of pontifices, the highest religious post in Ancient Rome, as he consolidated power. The main goal of this position was to maintain "pax deorum," or peace with the gods.

This is significant as Augustus was given all religious dignity and responsibility for the entire Roman state. This centralized the Roman cult since many individualized cults had no priestly college and followed the state's orders.

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