"My particular view of the Bridge History and their builders".
The title pontifex (pontiff) comes from the Latin term "bridge builder". It may alude to a very early role in placating the gods and spirits related to the Tiber River [1]. Also, Varro cites this position as meaning "able to do" [2]. We should say "able to make" too. During the earlier Regal Period of Roman history, the pontiffs were primarily concilia (advisers) of the kings, but after the expulsion of th1e last Roman King, the College of Pontiffs became religious advisers to the Roman Senate. The college of pontiffs was the most important of the four priestly colleges.
However some other authors explain the inverse etymology theory.
[1] http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/7Cnuma.asp
[2] Religions of Rome, Vol. 2, pg 195.
However some other authors explain the inverse etymology theory.
[1] http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/ancient/7Cnuma.asp
[2] Religions of Rome, Vol. 2, pg 195.
