![]() | A Family of Gods: The Worship of the Imperial Family in the Latin West Subjects: Emperor worship -- Rome; Rome -- Kings and rulers -- Religious aspects; Rome -- Kings and rulers -- Influence; Rome -- Religion; Roman politics and religion were inherently linked as the Romans attempted to explain the world and their place within it. As Roman territory expanded and power became consolidated into the hands of one man, people throughout the empire sought to define their relationship with the emperor by granting honors to him. This collection of practices has been labeled "emperor worship" or "ruler cult," but this tells only half the story: imperial family members also became an important part of this construction of power and almost half of the individuals deified in Rome were wives, sisters, children, and other family members of the emperor. Gwynaeth McIntyre is a Lecturer in the Department of Classics at the University of Otago. |
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