Ascent to Heaven

Question 1

Who ascended to heaven (either before or after their death), and how is the ascent described as happening?

Answer 1

• Romulus: Taken up to heaven after death; described as becoming a god and aligning with the divine image of emperors (Ovid, Livy).
• Scipio Africanus: Experiences apotheosis in a vision where he is welcomed into the heavenly realm, shown the divine perspective (Cicero’s ‘Dream of Scipio’).
• Antinous: Declared a god by Hadrian; his ascent is symbolically represented through divine honors and temple construction, though he died under mysterious circumstances (Hadrian’s inscriptions).
• Herakles: Ascends to heaven after his death by burning on a funeral pyre; his mortal body is consumed, and he is transformed into a god (Diodorus Siculus).

Question 2

What social roles did each character who ascended play while they were on earth (i.e., king, philosopher, etc.)?

Answer 2

• Romulus: Founder and first king of Rome.
• Scipio Africanus: Roman general and statesman known for his role in the Second Punic War.
• Antinous: Favorite slave and lover of Emperor Hadrian.
• Herakles: Legendary hero known for his twelve labors and various other exploits.