Who did the imperial cult worship?

The imperial cult worshiped emperors and their families, treating them as divine figures or gods. This practice was particularly prominent in ancient Rome, where emperors were venerated after their deaths, and sometimes even during their reigns. The cult served to promote loyalty and unity within the empire, reinforcing the authority of the emperor and the state. Worship included offerings, temples, and various rites dedicated to the emperor's spirit or divine status.