Ancient Roman religion featured a senatorial priesthood called the rex sacrorum, or king of the sacred things. Scholars debate whether this office originated during the Regal period before Rome became a Republic. Arnaldo Momigliano argued that the figure was created specifically during the formation of the Republic to replace the kings. Other historians suggest the title existed in earlier times as part of Italic and possibly Etruscan religious traditions. The office appears in Latin cities such as Lanuvium, Tusculum, and Velitrae alongside Rome itself. This historical uncertainty reflects the complex transition from monarchy to republican governance. The rex sacrorum fulfilled at least some sacral duties of kingship after the overthrow of the kings. Consuls assumed political power and military command while retaining some sacral functions. The debate continues over whether the priest was merely a decayed king or a new invention.
Selection And Status
During the Roman Republic, the pontifex maximus chose the rex sacrorum from a list submitted by the College of Pontiffs. A strict requirement demanded he be born from parents married through the ritual of confarreatio. He himself had to enter into marriage using this same ancient form. Festus states that in the ranking of highest priests, the rex sacrorum held the highest prestige. This position ranked above the flamines maiores and even the pontifex maximus. Yet the holder remained more or less a powerless figurehead with no real political gain. Marriage was so fundamental that if his wife died, the rex had to resign immediately. Although scholars agree on this rule for the rex sacrorum, it is better documented for the Flamen Dialis. The office was not highly coveted among patricians due to its lack of political power. Some years passed without a rex sacrorum existing at all because no one wanted the role.