AN ISSUE WITH THE PSEUDO-TRIBE AND THE CULT OF THE EMPEROR
Études balkaniques (Sofia) 2025, N 1, DOI: https://doi.org/10.62761/645.EB.LXI1.01
Ivo TOPALILOV 
Institute of Balkan Studies & Centre of Thracology, Bulgarian Academy of Science, Bulgaria
Abstract: The article deals with the nomenclature of several Roman citizens of military milieu originated from different type of Roman civitates in which pseudo-tribe is used instead of the original Roman tribe. Although this is typical, these cases are distinct with the resemblance of the imperial gentilicium used in the pseudo-tribe and nomina of the citizen. This, combine with the exceptionality of such examples, reveal that another meaning is put in such cases, most probably connected with the desire of the individual to honour the emperor who granted Roman citizenship to his father or grandfather and thereby provided a greater opportunity for career advancement and a better life in the province and likely at Rome itself. If so, this may be assumed as another manifestation of the imperial cult, in this type of cases – into the nomenclature and identity of some of the Roman citizens.
Keywords: pseudo-tribe, nomina, imperial cult, Roman empire, military