Julius Caesar was elected Pontifex Maximus in 63 BC, becoming Rome’s chief religious official. The position was one of the most prestigious offices in the Roman Republic and gave Caesar considerable public influence.
The election was a major political victory because Caesar faced two older and highly respected rivals, Quintus Lutatius Catulus and Publius Servilius Vatia Isauricus. Caesar reportedly secured support by borrowing heavily to fund his campaign and appealing directly to Rome’s citizens. His success showed both his ambition and his growing popularity with the urban populace.
As Pontifex Maximus, Caesar supervised the College of Pontiffs and had responsibilities connected with Rome’s religious laws, rituals, and calendar. The office also provided him with an official residence on the Via Sacra, increasing his visibility in the heart of Rome.
The year is easy to confuse with 59 BC, when Caesar became consul, or 44 BC, when he was assassinated. His election as Pontifex Maximus came earlier, in 63 BC, before his consulship and during the political crisis surrounding the Catiline conspiracy.