Encyclopedia of Mythical Creatures:
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Deification (Vespasian)

Creature Types: N/A

Mythological/Cultural Origins: Roman

Roles/Functions in Lore: Cultural Tradition

Literary Sources/Traditions: Roman Historical Accounts

Historical/Legendary Time Periods: Ancient Rome

Attributes/Powers: Cultural Tradition of Deifying

Alignments/Moral Standings: Neutral

Deification refers to the process by which the Roman Emperor Vespasian acknowledged his impending death by remarking to his friends, in a subtle mockery of Roman practices, ‘I feel that I am becoming a god.’ This act parodies the Roman tradition of deifying emperors posthumously, highlighting the cultural and religious significance of emperor worship in ancient Rome.