Abstract
The paper discusses the changes in the nature of imperial power in the Roman Empire after AD 395. In his symbolic role, the emperor had to take part in a large number of ceremonial events, which often aroused skepticism among Christian writers, who associated previous traditions with paganism and were categorically against traditional entertainment. However, the emperors, despite the official adoption of Christianity and the full support of the church, not only did not limit traditional holidays, games and circus performances, but, on the contrary, encouraged them in every possible way. Pompous ceremonies, processions and public spectacles were held in honor of the emperor in his visible or invisible presence, and all the enthusiasm of the public poured out directly on the sacred person, thereby strengthening his legitimacy.
Keywords
Late Roman Empire, representation of power, Roman emperors, potestar imagology, public celebrations.
Vladislav A. Konopatkin
Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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