Pontiff
A Pontiff was a public official in the Berytusian Empire responsible for the military of a province, and historically co-ruling along side a civil Governor. Today the title is held by the Pontiff of Belladocia, who also rules Apannina and is functionally sovereign.
The office originates from the city of Berytus, and was originally a civil official responsible for maintaining military infrastructure like walls and bridges inside the city. Its linguistic origins lie in the Old Berytusian words "Ponos" meaning "bridge" and "tithime" meaning "creator", indicating that the original office was probably an architectural one. Iban Acaias appointed Pontiffs as military governors of conquered provinces, originally with full civil power as well.
Beginning with the reforms of Acacian in 120, the office's power was reduced to just military matters. It was also occasionally the case that a Pontiff was also made civil Governor as well, holding both offices. This was most common in the frontier provinces or during a rebellion or invasion.
The most infamous Pontiff was Pontiff Begingi, who staged a rebellion and conquered the entire Apennine Peninsula, and forced the Council of Apannina to elect him as Metropolitan in 474. Following Begingi's rebellion, the office of Pontiff was abolished except in Apannina and Belladocia, with military government transfered to the centrally-controlled Strategors. In Apannina and Belladocia, the Peace of Zadak establishes the hereditary right of Begingi's descendants (the Pontifical House) to rule both provinces autonomously. These two concurrent titles constitute the Pontificate, otherwise known as Belladocia. In 717 the Pontificate severed ties to the Imperion, and instead transferred its vassalage to the Metropolitan of the Haugrkirk, who has no actual power over Belladocia.
In Agape, the Imperion never directly ruled, and as such the only Imperial officials in the country were the Pontiffs (called "Potiphar" in the Agapean language). The influence of these Pontiffs (whose number varied between 10 and 30 over the centuries) has led the name Potiphar to become quite common among the humans of Agape.
Appointment
Historically the Emperor would hand the written warrant to a Pontiff to vest him with authority. Since the Belladocian Pontificate, the Pontiffs have been sent a signed warrant, first by the Emperor (before 717) and by the Metropolitan of the Haugrkirk since then. Since the time of Metron Petris I (796–909), the Metropolitan has also personally conducted a coronation of the Pontiff of Belladocia.
Type
Civic, Military, Generic
Status
The title is held only by the Pontiff of Belladocia, who was a vassal of the Berytusian Emperor before 717, and has been a de jure fiefdom of the Haugrkirk since then. In reality the Pontiff rules as a sovereign lord.
Form of Address
His Supreme Excellency
Alternative Naming
Pontifex (Belladocian), Potiphar (Agapean)
Equates to
The rank of Pontiff was originally akin to that of a governor or viceroy. Since Pontiff Begingi's Rebellion in 482, the rank has been equivalent to that of a king.
Source of Authority
Pontiffs previously ruled with warrant from the Berytusian Empire, but since 717 the sole Pontiff has ruled under grant from the Metropolitan, and offically is a vassal of the Haugrkirk.
Length of Term
Originally 5 years, now lifelong
Reports directly to
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