Ius publicum dedicandi (e consecrandi). Il diritto di dedica a Roma
To make a res sacred one had to celebrate a consecratio/dedicatio. This ceremony was officiated by a pontiff and a magistrate. The first one was needed to consecrate the res (consecratio), the second one was there to dedicate it following the formulas dictated by the priest (dedicatio). However, whilst only the maximum pontiff or his minor colleague could execute the consecration (Cic. Dom. 124), the dedication could be presided over by different magistrates. We'll try to understand who these last were and also on the base of what mechanisms they were appointed for dedicating a structure.