The birth of the Roman empire

At the death of Augustus in 14 C.E., the family was the medium through which imperial power was successfully transmitted to his successor, Tiberius. In recognition of this, an increased emphasis on the imperial family as a unit developed around the time of Tiberius’ accession. In the first few years of his sole rule, innovations in imagery, language, and ceremony marked the transformation of the imperial family into a public institution.