How Roman Emperors Became Gods
<p>The authority of Roman officials has always had a sacred aspect since ancient times. It was believed that the gods guided state decisions, especially “the father of gods,” Jupiter, and “the benevolent counselor” Juno. The legendary Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, founded the College of Pontiffs, i.e., the supreme priests representing the Roman state before the gods. They were forbidden from leaving Rome. Only in 131 BC did the consul Licinius Crassus dare to break this religious prohibition by leading his troops to war in Asia. The authority of the pontiffs gradually diminished until the Cult of the Emperor replaced it.</p>
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