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Domitian (/ d ə ˈ m ɪ ʃ ən,-i ən /, də-MISH-ən, -ee-ən; Latin: Domitianus; 24 October 51 – 18 September 96) was Roman emperor from 81 to 96. The son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus, his two predecessors on the throne, he was the last member of the Flavian dynasty.
Apr 2, 2024 · Domitian (born Oct. 24, ad 51—died Sept. 18, ad 96, Rome [Italy]) was a Roman emperor ( ad 81–96), known chiefly for the reign of terror under which prominent members of the Senate lived during his last years. Titus Flavius Domitianus was the second son of the future emperor Vespasian and Flavia Domitilla.
- Early Life
- A Popular Emperor
- The Paranoid Emperor
- Death
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Titus Flavius Domitianus, Domitian, was born October 24, 51 CE on Pomegranate Street in the sixth district of Rome, youngest son of the future emperor Vespasian (64 -79 CE); his mother, Flavia Domitilla Major, died in his youth. Unlike his much older brother, Titus, he did not share in the court education, although many considered him bright. Accor...
His ascension to the throne came on September 14, 81 CE when Titus died of natural causes while he and his brother were travelling outside Rome. Later, rumours circulated that Domitian may have had a hand in his brother's death, possibly by poison. Gossip also ran rampant that the new emperor had at one point even plotted to overthrow his brother a...
In his The Twelve Caesars Suetonius claimed that Domitian was not evil to begin with; however, greed and fear of assassination made him cruel. Historian Cassius Dio in his Roman History said the emperor was both bold and quick to anger. He was treacherous as well as secretive, feeling no affection for anyone (except women). He was extremely vain an...
The final conspiracy against his life, however, was successful - a plot that even suggested the approval of Domitia herself (she remained fearful of her life.) According to Suetonius and others, a group of conspirators (they had heard their names were on a “list”) were debating on whether to assassinate the emperor in his bath or at dinner. Stephan...
Learn about Domitian, the youngest son of Vespasian and brother of Titus, who ruled Rome from 81 to 96 CE. Discover his achievements, controversies, and death in this comprehensive biography.
- Donald L. Wasson
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Learn about the life, reign, and legacy of Domitian, the last Flavian emperor who ruled Rome from 81 to 96 AD. Find out how he expanded the empire, built a stadium, faced a conspiracy, and died a tragic death.
- What was Domitian best known for?Domitian was best known for his autocratic rule, ruthless persecution of perceived threats, and extensive building projects that left a lasting arc...
- What did Domitian do to the Colosseum?Domitian made significant renovations and additions to the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheatre). He enhanced its seating capacity, implemented an intri...
- What was Domitian's downfall?Domitian's downfall came in 96 AD when he was assassinated by a conspiracy involving members of his own court. His autocratic rule, harsh policies,...
- What were the notable architectural projects undertaken by Domitian?Domitian initiated several notable architectural projects, including the construction of the luxurious Villa of Domitian and the dedication of the...
- What impact did the loss of his child have on Domitian's reign?The loss of Domitian's child had a profound impact on his reign, deepening his sense of melancholy and affecting his emotional state. The tragic ev...
- How often did Domitian spend time away from Rome during his reign?Domitian, unlike previous emperors, spent a significant amount of time away from Rome during his reign. He undertook frequent travels to various pr...
- Who ruled Rome after Domitian?After Domitian's assassination in 96 AD, the Roman Empire was briefly ruled by Nerva, who became the first emperor of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty. N...
- Domitian became Emperor in 81 AD. Domitian was the son of emperor Vespasian (69-79). He had ruled between 69 and 79 AD and achieved a reputation for shrewd management in contrast to his profligate predecessor Nero.
- Domitian had a reputation for sadism. Domitian was a paranoid bully with a reputation for sadism, said to torture flies with his pen. He was the last emperor to be a subject of Suetonius’ moralistic biography, which depicts Domitian as capable of “savage cruelty” (Suetonius, Domitian 11.1-3).
- He was a megalomaniac. Where emperors often continued the charade that the Empire really was just like the Republic it had supplanted, Domitian eroded the traditions of the senate and ruled openly as a despot.
- He completed the Colosseum. Domitian was intent on ambitious economic and cultural programs that would restore the Empire to the magnificence attributed to Augustus.
Learn about the life and death of Domitian, the longest-reigning Flavian emperor who ruled from 81 to 96 CE. Find out how he rose to power, married, and became known for his tyrannical behavior and paranoia.
Nov 18, 2023 · Learn about the life and reign of Domitian, the third and final member of the Flavian dynasty. Explore his military campaigns, cultural policies, persecutions, and legacy in Roman history.
