Domitian

Domitian

14 September 81 – 18 September 96
PredecessorTitus
SuccessorNerva
Born24 October 51, Rome, Italy
Died18 September 96 (aged 44), Rome, Italy
SpouseDomitia Longina
Children

Flavius Caesar
Flavia
Vespasian Minor (possibly adopted)
Domitian Minor (possibly adopted)

FatherVespasianus
MotherDomitilla

His Story

Domitian was a Roman emperor who ruled from 81 to 96 AD. He was the last member of the Flavian dynasty, which was founded by his father Vespasian and continued by his brother Titus. Domitian is often portrayed as a tyrant and a persecutor of the Senate and the Christians, but he also achieved some notable accomplishments in his 15-year reign.

Early Life and Family

Domitian was born on 24 October 51 AD in Rome, as the youngest son of Vespasian and Flavia Domitilla. His full name was Titus Flavius Domitianus. He had an older brother, Titus, and a sister, Domitilla the Younger. He also had another brother, Flavius Sabinus, who died in infancy.

Domitian grew up during a turbulent period of Roman history, marked by civil wars and foreign invasions. His father Vespasian was a successful general who rose to power after the death of Nero in 68 AD. Vespasian was one of the four emperors who fought for the throne in the Year of the Four Emperors (69 AD), along with Galba, Otho, and Vitellius. Vespasian emerged victorious with the support of the eastern provinces and the army, and became the founder of the Flavian dynasty.

Domitian had a minor and largely ceremonial role during his father’s and brother’s reigns. He was given the title of Caesar (heir apparent) and princeps juventutis (leader of the youth) by his father, and he held several consulships and other offices. He also accompanied his father and brother on some military campaigns, such as the suppression of the Jewish revolt in Judea (66-73 AD) and the conquest of Britain (77-83 AD).

However, Domitian was not granted full imperial powers by his father or brother, and he resented their lack of trust in him. He also felt overshadowed by his brother Titus, who was popular with the people and the army for his generosity and his achievements as a general. Domitian was rumored to have hastened his brother’s death by poisoning him, but there is no conclusive evidence for this accusation.

Reign as Emperor

Domitian became emperor on 14 September 81 AD, after the death of Titus. He was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard, the elite bodyguard of the emperor, and he received the support of the Senate and the people. He adopted the name Imperator Caesar Domitianus Augustus, and he claimed divine descent from his father Vespasian, who had been deified after his death.

Domitian’s reign was marked by his authoritarian style of ruling, which put him at odds with the Senate and the aristocracy. He reduced their powers and privileges, and he increased his own control over all aspects of public and private life. He nominated himself perpetual censor, which gave him the right to regulate morals and conduct. He also demanded to be addressed as dominus et deus (lord and god), which offended many Romans who valued their traditional republican ideals.

Domitian also faced several challenges from external enemies and internal conspiracies. He fought wars against various tribes in Britain, Germany, and Dacia (modern Romania), where he faced a formidable opponent in King Decebalus. He also had to deal with revolts in Africa and Egypt, as well as invasions from Parthia (modern Iran) and Sarmatia (modern Ukraine). He built several fortifications along the borders of the empire to protect it from attacks.

Domitian was also paranoid about plots against his life, and he executed or exiled many senators, nobles, officials, and relatives who he suspected of treason or disloyalty. He also persecuted some groups that he considered dangerous or subversive, such as philosophers, astrologers, Jews, and Christians. He ordered several executions of prominent figures, such as his cousin Flavius Clemens, his niece Flavia Domitilla (who was also his wife’s namesake), and his former advisor Agricola.

Achievements and Legacy

Despite his negative reputation among some historians and writers, Domitian also had some positive achievements during his reign. He strengthened the economy by revaluing the Roman coinage, which had been debased by previous emperors. He also initiated a massive building program to restore and beautify Rome after it had been damaged by

 

(Statue of Augustus, Rome 2023, Picture by Juan Carlos Oviedo)

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