During the ancient times, in particular, there were people who established themselves as popes, in opposition to the popes who were legitimately elected. They are called “antipopes,” whose claim to the papacy is considered as invalid by the Roman Catholic Church. But at times, these antipopes won the support of several cardinals as well as members of secular nobility and some kingdoms. A few of the antipopes even succeeded to the legit papal throne. Hippolytus of Rome (170 – 235 AD) is usually considered as being the first antipope.