Topic: Religious trivia (Read 2251 times)

IAF Lyrkiller · « **on:** February 19, 2008, 10:46:53 pm »

If anyone gets this then I will be surprised. I do have one rule no looking on the internet for the answer, that would be too easy.

Here it is:
Where did the word "Pontif" come from?

And I am giving no hints.

Anyone who gets this is a good historian. Also will tell a story how I figured it out.

Dash Jones · « **Reply #1 on:** February 20, 2008, 01:10:41 am »

Pontif???

Don't know...

You mean Pontiff?

I believe that's the spelling...

As in the one that came from the High Priest of Rome of which Julius Caesar was once one of. If I recall it was one of the religious and yet political positions of Rome...though it was more of a Maximum or High Priest (Pontiff meaning more of an authority or head...so the great Head or Great Authority).

I know there were familial struggles politically speaking in ancient Rome for that office, and later as it became the Roman Catholic Church the High Pontiff of Rome was then carried over to the Church in a Christian setting instead.

Prior to the Roman Office I'm sure it has a history, but I am unsure of what it is.

Don Karnage · « **Reply #2 on:** February 20, 2008, 05:36:11 am »

well pontiff is the one in charge, like the pope is the one sitting on the well like the throne.

IAF Lyrkiller · « **Reply #3 on:** February 20, 2008, 07:20:17 am »

Dash, you are very close. I need the latin word.

Karnage, you are also close.

Beeblebrox · « **Reply #4 on:** February 20, 2008, 12:05:18 pm »

Quote from: CayneG on February 20, 2008, 07:20:17 am

Dash, you are very close. I need the latin word.

Karnage, you are also close.

Would the Latin word you're looking for be pontifex? It later became the French word pontife. I believe pontifex was derived from two Latin roots which, when combined, created the title "bridge builder". Of course, I could very well be full of crap.

IAF Lyrkiller · « **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2008, 03:39:54 pm »

Quote from: Beeblebrox on February 20, 2008, 12:05:18 pm

Quote from: CayneG on February 20, 2008, 07:20:17 am
Dash, you are very close. I need the latin word.

Karnage, you are also close.

Would the Latin word you're looking for be pontifex? It later became the French word pontife. I believe pontifex was derived from two Latin roots which, when combined, created the title "bridge builder". Of course, I could very well be full of crap.

You sir, are correct. Pontifex Maximus was really the words I was looking for.

Now, the story:
I was playing Rome: Total War when one of my characters in the game got that high post. And should be given the keys to the Vestal Virgins quarters!!!

While I was doing my chores I started to thinking that Pontiff came from Pontifex Maximus and my mom told me that I was correct.
That revalation hit me like a ton of bricks.

And I am not through w/ Rome:Total War just yet!!!

Don Karnage · « **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2008, 06:48:20 pm »

fortress maximus

Vipre · « **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2008, 11:24:46 pm »

I cheated and looked it up yesterday, hoping for gossip material on the Pope.

The Title Pontifex Maximus

Thought this was a pretty good background.

kmelew · « **Reply #8 on:** February 21, 2008, 10:17:23 pm »

Not only was the Pontifex responsible for safeguarding the cultural and religious well-being of Rome, they were also responsible for public works.

Capt. Mike · « **Reply #9 on:** February 27, 2008, 09:50:48 pm »

Some quotes for you Cayne..and one for Punisher

Flecter si nequeo speros, Acheronta movebo.

If I can't move Heaven, I'll raise Hell

Virgil, Aeneid, VII 312

Ut sig magna, tamen certe lenta ira deorum est.

The wrath of the gods may be great, but it certainly is slow

Juvenal, Satirae, XIII, 100

And the one for Punisher..

De inimico non loquaris sed cogites.

Don't wish ill for your enemy; plan it

Syrus, Maximus

Have a good one,

Mike

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