Pseudo-Dionysius’ Concept of Hierarchy and the Imperial Cult in the Early Roman Empire

This article focuses on the relationship between imperial cult in pagan Rome and heavenly hierarchy taught by Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagite. The latter’s thought played a significant role construction of medieval image world. Medieval reflection state law drew from it as well. Therefore, possible analogies philosophy Corpus Dionysiacum would indicate an indirect influence that emperor had certain later ideas about power, legitimacy forms social constitutional organization, prophetic visions inspiring political movements. Against this background, compares emperor’s genius (as well virtues numen) with immaterial beings described It reveals clear parallels regarding hierarchical geniuses ancient Pseudo-Dionysius’ Angels, Names God, divine providences. similarities mediation human world reality granting creative power supernatural knowledge are also associated structure. In both cases, element (genius beings) has historiosophical aspect, consisting justification belief care deity exercises over universal history mankind. conducted research constitutes impulse for further field aspects angelology.