| Vespasian was emperor of Rome from 69 till his death in 79 A.D. He was the father of Titus, emperor when Vesuvius erupted. This temple, dedicated to the Imperial Cult, faces the Forum. Emperor worship was a particularly difficult activity to avoid, since it was viewed as one's patriotic duty. Early Christians, while desiring to honor the governmental rulers (as commanded in Romans 13 and Titus 3), were not permitted to worship them. A Christian's refusal to sacrifice or contribute at a temple such as this one made him an outcast in Roman society. He was viewed as unpatriotic and atheistic. |
