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As political power in Rome became centered on the emperor and his family, a system of honors and titles developed as one way to negotiate this new power dynamic. Classified under the modern collective heading ‘imperial cult’ (or emperor worship or ruler cult), this system of worship comprises religious rituals as well as political, economic, and social aspects. In this article, Gwynaeth McIntyre surveys the range of ancient literary sources and modern scholarly debates on how individuals became gods in the Roman world. Beginning with the development of exceptional honors granted to Julius Caesar and his deification, she traces the development of honors, symbols, and religious rituals associated with the worship of imperial family members. She uses case studies to illustrate how cult practices, temples, and priesthoods were established, highlighting the careful negotiation required between the emperor, imperial family, Senate, and populace in order to make mortals into gods.
Gwynaeth McIntyre, Ph.D. (2010), University of St Andrews, is a Lecturer in the Department of Classics at the University of Otago. She has published several articles on deification and the construction of the imperial family as well as a monograph entitled A Family of Gods: The Worship of the Imperial Family in the Latin West (University of Michigan Press, 2016).
“(…) in this brief volume, McIntyre presents an up-to-date, helpful survey of ancient literary sources and certain modern debates and discussions about imperial cult. (…) The volume is well written and engaging. Although a survey, it is not aimed at a popular audience. The reader with some knowledge of issues surrounding imperial cult will benefit most.” Joseph D. Fantin, Bryn Mawr Classical Review, 2019.12.32
Imperial Cult
Gwynaeth McIntyre
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
1 Talking about Gods: Terminology Associated with the Imperial Cult
2 Gods at Rome: Divine Funerals and Physical Monuments
3 Negotiating with the Divine: Three Case Studies
4 Worshipping the Gods: Priesthoods, Sacrifices, and Festivals
5 Christianity and the Imperial Cult
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
Gwynaeth McIntyre
Abstract
Keywords
Introduction
1 Talking about Gods: Terminology Associated with the Imperial Cult
2 Gods at Rome: Divine Funerals and Physical Monuments
3 Negotiating with the Divine: Three Case Studies
4 Worshipping the Gods: Priesthoods, Sacrifices, and Festivals
5 Christianity and the Imperial Cult
Conclusion
Acknowledgements
References
All interested in Roman religion and politics during the Imperial period, specifically deification, euergetism, and how individuals throughout the empire negotiated the new power dynamic created under the emperors.