Prekäre Divinität

Untersuchungen zur Vergöttlichung des Herrschers im römischen Prinzipat

By (author) David Hamacher

Book cover: Prekäre Divinität

Extent: 408 pages

Publisher: V&R unipress

Subjects: Classical Studies

Series: Studien zu Macht und Herrschaft

Language: German

Hardback (Published)

(April 2023)

ISBN: 9783847115427

6.3 x 9.33 inches

Price: $87.00

Out of stock

Die Vergottlichung des Herrschers im antiken Rom war keine Formsache, sondern das Ergebnis eines intensiven Kommunikations- und Aushandlungsprozesses zwischen Kaiser und Senat.


As a political issue, the divinity of the Roman emperor has been mostly studied in terms of its constructive (i. e. rule-stabilising) effects. In contrast, this study offers different perspectives bringing its inner conflicts and contradictions to light. Aiming for deification, the ruler remained bound to the senate, which officially had to decide in this matter. The negotiations that come into focus in this context can contribute to a better understanding of power and domination in the Roman principate of the first two centuries AD.

  • By (author) David Hamacher