Octavian As Son of A Roman God
On 1 January 42 BC, nearly two years after the assassination of Julius Caesar on 15 March 44 BC, but before the final victory of the Second Triumvirate over the conspirators who had taken his life, the Roman Senate recognised him as a divinity. He was therefore referred to as Divus Iulius (the divine Julius), and his adopted son styled himself Divi filius (son of the deified one, son of the god). The fuller form, "divi Iuli filius" (son of the divine Julius) was also used.
Octavian used the title divi filius to advance his political position, finally overcoming all rivals for power within the Roman state. The title was for him "a useful propaganda tool", and was displayed on the coins that he issued.
Read more about this topic: Divi Filius
Famous quotes containing the words son, roman and/or god:
“For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
—Bible: New Testament, Galatians 2:19-20.
“The Roman Road runs straight and bare
As the pale parting-line in hair
Across the heath.”
—Thomas Hardy (1840–1928)
“I close my eyes over the steaming
tea and see God opening His teeth.
“Oh,” He says.
I see the child in me writing, “Oh.”
Oh, my dear, not why.”
—Anne Sexton (1928–1974)