What is the title given to a member of the highest council of priests in ancient Rome?

The title given to a member of the highest council of priests in ancient Rome is "Pontifex." The Pontifices, led by the Pontifex Maximus, were responsible for overseeing the religious practices, rituals, and the maintenance of the sacred calendar in Rome. They played a crucial role in ensuring that the religious traditions and ceremonies were correctly performed to maintain the favor of the gods.

The significance of the Pontifex includes their authority in matters of state religion and their influence over civic affairs, intertwining religious duties with political power. The position of Pontifex Maximus was particularly notable, as it was the highest-ranking priest in Rome, often held by prominent political figures.

In contrast, other titles like Augur refer to priests who interpreted the will of the gods by studying the flight of birds; Flamen is a title for priests serving specific deities; and Vestalis pertains to the Vestal Virgins tasked with maintaining the sacred fire of Vesta. While all these roles were essential within the Roman religious structure, they do not equate to the highest council level represented by the Pontifex.