Religion was a major pillar of governmental organization in Antiquity (and the Middle Ages). It was fear of the gods that held up law and order, preserved peace within the realm and ensured regulated social dealings.
This copper coin shows the Genius Populi Romani, the symbol of a united Roman people. He offers sacrifices to the gods and thus pledges their favors for the Romans.
The cult of Genius Populi Romani was a national Roman cult already in Republican times. It was mandatory for all Romans to offer him sacrifices. Under the emperors the imperial cult was added to it, in which the emperor himself was venerated as a god.