PS. Walter Veith over at Amazing Discoveries in one video/show pointed out that in antiquity 1-2 centuries before Christ, the Roman people inherited the rights as spiritual successors to the Babylonian evil "Priest"-King; think: "Dagon"+ Judges -> Samson + 1. Sam Eli/Samuel + "Writing on the wall", Daniel.
The recipient had to be personally worshipped. Julius Caesar put this personal demonic pact into effect: Pontifex Maximus. He died some time B.C.
Later, one bishop -> the papacy continued it.
Many "church fathers" were hidden esoterics, Gnostics and Occultist, and were rejected by the early church.
A lot of what we're seeing today have roots in Origenes, Eusebius, Constantine and even time of Christ.
The Seventh Day Adventists have, in my opinon, done an AMAZING job covering some of the greatest secrets of all times. See Walter Veith's videos on Amazing Discoveries about Total Onslaught and From Crete to Malta and he & wife life/testimony for more info.
