Final answer:
The purpose of deification in the Roman Empire was to honor the Caesars by giving them divine honors after death, and solidify the political rule of the emperors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The purpose of deification in the Roman Empire was to honor the Caesars by giving them divine honors after death, and solidify the political rule of the emperors. Emperors were often deified after they died, by order of their successors and with approval from the Senate. This formal process of deification, known as apotheosis, helped to establish the emperors as powerful and divine figures, reinforcing their authority and ensuring loyalty from the people.