The Death, Funeral, and Deification of Augustus

Type:

Book Chapter

Author:

Anne-Marie Lewis

Published:

2023

Publisher:

Oxford University PressNew York

Abstract The death of Augustus in August a.d. 14 and the return of Augustus’ body to Rome and his funeral a few weeks later in September a.d. 14 were accompanied by the kind of notable celestial display that Augustus had favored as backdrops for important events throughout his life. On the day of Augustus’ deification by a decree of the Senate in September a.d. 14, the heavens also presented a final meaningful celestial display. Two cameos from early in the reign of Augustus’ successor Tiberius reference and personify the deification of Augustus and the journey of Augustus’ soul to the heavens, where it took up its permanent residence in Spica, the brightest star in the zodiacal constellation Virgo.

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