[maze-le]

Another interesting tidbit to add here: one of the official titles of the pope, pontifex maximux (high priest), has its origins in the kingdom of Rome, well before the Republic was established (509 BC). Though written records don't exist of that time period, its inception is traditionally accounted to the second king of Rome, Numa (rulership ~715 – ~673 BC). This makes it one of the oldest titles, if not the oldest official title still in use.

[mark212]

2700 Years is nothing. At my synagogue in Southern California we have a couple dozen Kohens, a title in continuous use (with varying and evolving responsibilities to be sure) for at least 4000 years.