The Romans would normally have referred to the emperor using the honorific Augustus, a tradition which began with Octavian, the first emperor. Even Christian emperors used this title, which can be translated as "majestic," "the increaser," or "venerable." Emperors could also be referred to as Caesar, in reference to their connection to the Julian line, as Imperator, in reference to their position as Emperor, as Princeps, in reference to their position as first citizen of the senate, or as Pontifex Maximus, in reference to their position as head priest, a title which was taken up by the Popes.