The king of Rome traditionally encompassed the religious, legislative, judicial and executive functions during the monarchy. During the republic, these duties were distributed among different magistrates. The religious duties devolved on several priestly offices, including that of Rex Sacrorum (from the Latin meaning “king of sacred rites”, a Senatorial and therefore exclusively Patrician office belonging to the College of Pontiffs). The Rex Sacrorum was appointed by the Pontifex Maximus (religious head of the Roman state). He performed religious rites (with his head covered) each month, he also named the dates for festivals. He had to be married and his wife (Regina Sacrorum) performed religious rites and duties as well. The Rex Sacrorum was barred from political and military office. This office persisted into the late Principate.