Religion Flashcards
Deified Emperors
Augustus
Claudius
Vespasian
Encouraged Imperial Cult
Augustus
Caligula
Domitian
There were no honors left for the gods now that Augustus chose to be worshipped
Tacitus Annals 1
Rome has a thousand twin Lares now, and a leaders Genius, whose gift bestowed them. Every district now pays honours to its three divinities.
Ovid, Fasti Book 5
ILS 9250 calls these “Augustan Lares”
RGDA 7
Lists his various priesthood’s, some of which were new
Tiberius “persevered… in spurning such a cult of himself.”
Tacitus, Annals Book 4
Rest of source describes how people wanted to erect a temple to him, but he rejects
Apocolocyntosis
Heavily mocked, possibly showing there was agreement that apotheosis was overused
The deification of Claudius was useful for Nero, maybe the mocking was because it was Nero who deified him?
Religious coin of Nero
Had Nero with a radiate crown, a symbol of divinity
This is the first time this had been done to a living emperor.
On the obverse was Apollo, drawing a link between the two.
However, it was found in Syria (more acceptable to be worshipped)
Tiberius, Augustus, and the Fasti
Tiberius had one festival in his honor: his birthday
Augustus had things like his first consulship and victory at Actium celebrated as well.
This is known from Ovid’s Fasti.
Temple of Castor and Pollux
Linked to Caligula’s palace
We have archaeological evidence of this
Martial and Domitian
Epigram 9
“As long as Janus shall give the years their winters, Domitian their autumns”
Claudius deifies __________
His sister and his grandmother.
Increase legitimacy
Needed due to his succession
Suetonius, Vespasian 23
Woes me, I think I’m turning into a god.
Tiberius’ letter and decree on Imperial cult to one of the provinces
“I myself am more satisfied with more moderate honors suitable for men…”
What does Nero say when Senate offer him a temple in aftermath of Pisonian conspiracy?
Annals 15
“divine honors are not paid to an emperor until his career among men has ended”
