What was the title of the chief priest of Rome, overseer of the Vestal Virgins?

The title of Rome’s chief priest, who oversaw the Vestal Virgins, was Pontifex Maximus. He was the senior member of the College of Pontiffs and one of the most influential religious officials in Roman public life.

The pontifex maximus supervised major aspects of state religion, including ritual law, the calendar, and the conduct of priestly institutions. The Vestals, priestesses devoted to Vesta, maintained the sacred fire in the Temple of Vesta and performed rites considered essential to Rome’s wellbeing. Although they had their own senior priestess, the Vestalis Maxima, they ultimately came under the authority of the pontifex maximus.

The Vestals were selected as children and traditionally served for thirty years, divided into periods of learning, active service, and teaching. Their unusual legal privileges and sacred status made their relationship with the chief pontiff especially significant. He could discipline them and played a role in their selection and governance.

An augur interpreted omens, the rex sacrorum performed rites formerly associated with Rome’s kings, and the Flamen Dialis served Jupiter. In the imperial period, emperors commonly held the title, linking religious authority with political power.