Imperial Cult Flashcards
(21 cards)
What was the Imperial Cult?
A way for masses to understand power of emperors
How did the importance of the Imperial Cult shift over time?
Augustus initially forbade worship, while Gaius became a god in Rome
Was the Imperial Cult imposed on the people?
No, evidence suggests it was on their own initiative
What poem illustrates the worship of Augustus in Rome?
Ovid, Fasti
What did Augustus allow the people of Pergamum to do? [Dio and Tacitus]
Set up a temple to him outside of Rome
What did Gaius forbid at the start of his reign?
“The setting up of any images to him”
What did Suetonius claim about Gaius regarding divine treatment later in his reign?
“He insisted on being treated as a god”
What significant action did Gaius take in Rome? [Dio Cassius]
“set up in Rome itself a temple of his own, granted to him by vote of the senate”
What did Claudius say about petitions to worship him? [Greek Papyri in British Museum]
“Temples and such forms of honour have been granted by all ages to the gods alone”
What did the Greek Papyri indicate about reverence towards emperors? [Greek Papyri in British Museum]
“You are by nature reverent towards the emperors”
What justification of power is associated with the emperors?
Their family is divine, therefore emperors deserve power
What did Tacitus say regarding Augustus and divine honours?
“There were no honours left for the gods, now that Augustus chose to be worshipped with temples and godlike images”
What did
Tiberius do to Augustus? [Vellius Paterculus]
“Deified his father”
What conflict did Gaius have regarding his sister? [Seneca]
Unable to decide whether to mourn her as mortal or worship her as a goddess
What decree did the Senate make about Livia under Claudius? [Suetonius]
Decreed her divine honours
What does the Aureus showing Claudius’ deification signify?
He is depicted as Divi Filius and also religious
What promise did Nero make regarding his rule? [Suetonius]
“To model his rule on the principles laid down by Augustus”
What was the political significance of granting temples and divine honours?
Show of loyalty and power
What did Suetonius say about citizens and priesthoods under Gaius?
All the richest citizens tried to gain priesthoods
What did Tiberius express about religion and the imperial cult? [Inscription at Gytheion in Laconia from 15AD]
He was “Satisfied with more moderate honours suitable for men”
Fill in the blank: Augustus forbade the setting up of any _______.
images to him
