(Encyclopedia) pontifex maximuspontifex maximuspŏnˈtĭfĕks măkˈsĭməs [key], highest priest of Roman religion and official head of the college of pontifices. As the chief administrator of religious…
(Encyclopedia) Ephesus, Council of, 431, 3d ecumenical council, convened by Theodosius II, emperor of the East, and Valentinian III, emperor of the West, to deal with the controversy over…
(Encyclopedia) Gregory IX, 1143?–1241, pope (1227–41), an Italian named Ugolino di Segni, b. Anagni; successor of Honorius III. As cardinal under his uncle, Innocent III, he became, at St. Francis'…
(Encyclopedia) Godfrey of BouillonGodfrey of Bouillonb&oomacr;yôNˈ [key], c.1058–1100, Crusader, duke of Lower Lorraine. He fought for Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV against Pope Gregory VII and…
(Encyclopedia) FuggerFuggerf&oobreve;gˈər [key], German family of merchant princes. The foundation of their wealth was laid by Hans Fugger, allegedly a weaver, who moved to Augsburg in 1367. His…
(Encyclopedia) Julian the Apostate (Flavius Claudius Julianus), 331?–363, Roman emperor (361–63), nephew of Constantine I; successor of Constantius II. He was given an education that combined…
(Encyclopedia) John III (John Sobieski)John IIIsôbyĕˈskē [key], 1624–96, king of Poland (1674–96), champion of Christian Europe against the Ottomans. Born to an ancient noble family, he was appointed…
(Encyclopedia) OctaviaOctaviaŏktāˈvēə [key]. 1 d. 11 b.c., Roman matron, sister of Emperor Augustus and wife of Marc Antony, her second husband. For some years, she helped maintain peace between her…
(Encyclopedia) MarcellusMarcellusmärsĕlˈəs [key], principal plebeian family of the ancient Roman gens Claudia. Marcus Claudius Marcellus, c.268–208 b.c., was consul five times. In his first…
(Encyclopedia) Marcus Aurelius (Marcus Aelius Aurelius Antoninus)Marcus Aureliusmärˈkəs ôrēˈlēəs [key], 121–180, Roman emperor, named originally Marcus Annius Verus. He was a nephew of Faustina, the…
