Chapter 14 Summary

The chapter is not specifically dated but obviously takes place immediately after the death of Augustus in 14 AD. After his death, Augustus, long deified in the provinces, is officially deified in Rome. His will is involved in political intrigue, but finally an older version is deemed authoritative and read out; Augustus possessed surprisingly little wealth. Tiberius is considered the de facto emperor but engages in a prolonged political show of reticence, appearing to haltingly accept every honor, privilege, and power granted him by the senate. In the end, he comes to have accepted all of the powers of Augustus.

Chapter 14 Analysis

Deification is an official process of religious iconography that is made law by the Roman senate. Augustus is therefore made, literally, a God of the Roman religion, complete with temples, worship services, priests, and so forth. Many expect Augustus' personal wealth to...