Roman emperor (8196), the younger son of Vespasian, and the last of the Flavian emperors. An able but autocratic ruler, he thoroughly alienated the ruling class by his rapacity and tyrannical ways. Becoming paranoid about opposition after the armed revolt of Saturninus, the Governor of Upper Germany (89), he unleashed a reign of terror in Rome which lasted until his own assassination.
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| Domitian | ||
|---|---|---|
| Emperor of the Roman Empire | ||
| Bust of Domitian | ||
| Reign |
14 September 81 – 18 September 96 |
|
| Full name | Titus Flavius Domitianus | |
| Born | 24 October 51 | |
| Rome | ||
| Died | 18 September 96 | |
| Rome | ||
| Buried | Rome | |
| Predecessor | Titus | |
| Successor | Nerva | |
| Wife/wives | Domitia Longina (70-85) | |
| Julia Flavia (85-91) | ||
| Issue | one son and one daughter with Domitia | |
| Dynasty | Flavian | |
| Father | Vespasian | |
| Mother | Domitilla | |
Flavian dynasty
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Titus Flavius Domitianus (24 October 51 – 18 September 96), commonly known as Domitian, was a Roman Emperor of the gens Flavia.
Early life
Domitian was born in Rome while his father was still a politician and military commander.
During the Year of the four emperors (69), Domitian assumed a cautious, discreet position, but moved immediately to the imperial palace once his father was proclaimed emperor.
As a second son, Domitian was spared from responsibilities.
Emperor
As an administrator, Domitian soon proved to be a disaster.
In 85, Domitian nominated himself perpetual censor, the office which held the task of supervising Roman morals and conduct, a task he could hardly apply to himself. After this, Domitia Longina was recalled to the palace as Roman empress, despite the fact that Domitian never remarried her.
Domitian's greatest passions were the arts and the games.
Domitian was not gifted as a military commander, due to his education in Rome, away from the legions.
Towards the end of his reign, which had started with moderation, Domitian revealed a cruel personality.
Domitian was murdered in September 96, in a plot organized by his enemies in the Senate, Stephanus (the steward of the deceased Julia Flavia), members of the Praetorian Guard and empress Domitia Longina.
Domitian was succeeded by Nerva (by appointment of the senate), the first of the Five Good Emperors. Many of the images that survive of Domitian's successor Nerva were actually once Domitian but converted to Nerva after the damnatio was issued.
Domitian and early Christianity
For scholars, it is difficult to uncover Domitian's exact policy towards the developing Christian community. From a secular viewpoint, the Revelation could be viewed as a reaction to the anti-Christian policies of Domitian and some earlier emperors. Within the book several symbolic references are made about the Roman Empire and the incumbent Emperor, possibly Domitian.
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