Philadelphia: Imperial Cult

Philadelphia enjoyed long and favorable relationships with Rome. A local cult devoted to Caesar Augustus and Rome was established here in 27-26 B.C. After the emperor Tiberius helped the city rebuild after the earthquake of A.D. the city called itself Neocaesarea to show its gratitude. During the reign of Vespasian (A.D. 69-79), who came from the Flavian family, the city showed its devotion to the emperor by calling itself Philadelphia Flavia.