by: roman-empire.net
Nov 05 2023
Domitian, whose full name was Titus Flavius Domitianius Augustus, was born on October 24, AD 51, in Rome. He was the younger son of Vespasian and Flavia Domitilla.
Domitian was the younger and less favored son of Vespasian. His father had more regard for his elder son, Titus.
Domitian was in Rome during his father's uprising against Vitellius in AD 69 and managed to escape unharmed.
After the arrival of his father's troops, Domitian briefly acted as regent, along with Mucianus, the governor of Syria. However, he was not granted any significant power.
Domitian's relations with his brother, Titus, were strained, and it was clear that Titus was the chosen heir to the throne.
Domitian hurried to the praetorian camp and had himself proclaimed emperor by the soldiers while Titus lay dying. He was confirmed as emperor on September 14, AD 81, after Titus's death.
Domitian sought military glory and completed the conquest of the Agri Decumates in AD 83, pushing the empire's frontier to the rivers Lahn and Main.
Domitian is described as a cruel, arrogant, and power-drunk ruler. He preferred to be addressed as 'dominus et deus' (‘master and god’).
He rigorously enforced taxes on Jews and sought to track down and execute those claiming descent from King David. Many Christians were also targeted.
Domitian was assassinated on September 18, AD 96. Nerva became emperor immediately after his death, marking the end of Domitian's tyrannical rule.