Domitian succeeded his brother, Emperor Titus, as the third and final Roman Emperor of the Flavian dynasty. Domitian, the youngest and definitely the least favoured son, was raised in the shadow of his older brother and knew little about administration or military skills. Domitian’s function was essentially ceremonial under his brother’s administration, despite his crucial position. After Titus’ death in 81 AD, Domitian acquired the office of Roman Emperor with authority. His rule was characterised by peace and stability, but also paranoia and terror. The nobility despised him to the point where his period in government was dubbed “the reign of terror” by senate members. Domitian saw himself as an enlightened ruler, a moral and religious reformer. Because he believed he had been selected to lead the Roman Empire into a new era, he insisted on being addressed as ‘Lord’ or ‘God.’ Domitian’s administrative abilities were demonstrated by his success in strengthening the economy, expanding border defenses, and initiating a vast building program to reconstruct Rome’s damaged metropolis. Despite his paranoia, Domitian was unable to prevent his assassination by his own court officers. The Roman Senate condemned his memory after his death, and he was dismissed as a cruel and paranoid tyrant.
Childhood and Adolescence
Domitian was born in Rome on October 24, 51 AD to Titus Flavius Vespasianus and Flavia Domitilla Major. He was the couple’s youngest child, with an older brother Titus and a younger sister Domitilla the Younger.
By the time he was six years old, Domitian had lost both his mother and sister. His father and brother were both members of the Roman military and held positions of command in Germania and Judaea.
Domitian finished his education with a focus on rhetoric and literature. Domitian grew up to be a smart and educated youngster who was highly intelligent and bright. Unlike his brother, he was not trained in courtroom schooling and lacked military experience.
Domitian lacked his father’s and brother’s charisma. He was primarily sluggish and suspicious. His solitary tendencies and love of seclusion isolated him. In addition, he had a self-deprecating sense of humour.
Reign & Accession
Domitian stayed at Rome with his uncle Flavius Sabinus during the commencement of the civil war in 69 AD, while his brother Titus was securing the crown from Emperor Vitellius. When Vitelllius’ armies invaded Rome, he fled across the Tiber with a buddy.
He returned to Rome when Flavian forces conquered the city and was given the title of ‘Caesar.’ He was appointed praetor with consul powers and became a representative of the Flavian family. He was not, however, appointed to any imperial position. With the exception of one, Domitian had six consulships under his father, none of which were ordinary consulships. Despite their lower status, they provided Domitian with crucial senate experience.
Following his father’s death, his brother ascended to the throne. Domitian anticipated to be in the same position as his brother whilst his father was still alive. He was, however, denied both tribunician and imperium power, which his brother possessed. Furthermore, his duty was essentially ceremonial in nature.
Domitian became Emperor of the Flavian dynasty as a result of his brother’s unexpected death while on a journey to Sabine territory. Though there have been theories about Domitian’s role in his brother’s death, none of them confirm Domitian’s involvement.
Domitian was proclaimed the third Roman Emperor of the Flavian dynasty on September 14, 81 AD. He was given tribunician powers and the title of Pontifex Maximus. He was also known as Augustus and Pater Patriae.
Domitian’s most important accomplishment as Emperor was to relocate the seat of authority to the imperial court. He portrayed himself as a celestial monarchy’s beneficent ruler. He was determined to restore the empire to its former glory under Emperor Augustus.
Domitian ran the government with the utmost precision. He issued decrees and scrutinized the tiniest minutiae of government. He was obstinate and strict in enforcing his laws, ensuring that corruption and exploitation were kept to a minimum. He chastised senators he thought were unfit.
Domitian, unlike his father and brother, did not believe in nepotism. He did not appoint members of his family to public office, instead assigning crucial positions to those he considered were deserving.
Domitian proved to be a capable administrator. Unlike previous Flavian kings, he invested heavily in the reconstruction of Rome, which had been devastated by the Great Fires of 64 and 79, as well as the civil war of 69. Through Domitian’s reconstruction effort, more than 50 structures were created, repaired, or completed, resulting in a cultural revival in Rome.
An odeon, stadium, concert hall, and Flavian Palace were among the most important new constructions completed under Domitian’s reign. During his reign, the Temple of Jerusalem was restored to its former glory. Under his rule, the Temple of Vespasian and Titus, the Arch of Titus, and the Colosseum were all constructed.
Domitian, unlike earlier Flavian rulers, eschewed expansionist warfare in favor of a defensive strategy. The creation of roads, forts, and watchtowers for the development of Limes Germanicus to assist protect the Empire was his most famous military feat.
In order to match his predecessors’ military triumphs, he stayed in close contact with the field commanders, providing them advise and recommendations. To earn some legitimacy, he relocated to Germany and waged a successful battle against the Chatti. As a result of his accomplishment, he was given the name Germanicus. The war on the Danube, however, did not go well for Domitian, who lost two legions and a large number of troops.
Despite his military defeats and poor tactical and strategic judgments, Domitian was popular among the troops, as he became just the second emperor after Augustus to increase their pay by one-third. He gained the soldiers’ trust as a result of this.
Domitian was a traditionalist at heart, insisting on the observance of ancient rites and values. He saw himself as an absolute monarch and was so fixated on the idea that he insisted on being addressed as ‘Dominus et deus,’ or God. Germanicus, or September, and Domitianus, or October, were both titled after him on the calendar.
Domitian was apprehensive during his reign because he was afraid of assassination. He ascended to the throne due to his desire to rule and his fear of being ousted. He deposed the Senate and executed officials and senators for the most minor of offenses. Libelous works were considered a crime, punishable by exile or death.
Domitian was so afraid of being assassinated that he hired informers to keep him informed of any rebellion. He would execute them if there was even the tiniest hint of a conspiracy or rebellion.
Personal History and Legacy
In 71 AD, Domitian married Domitia Longina. She had already married Lucius Aelius Plautius Lamia Aelianus, and this was her second marriage. In 80 AD, the couple had a son, but the kid died after three years.
Despite being hyper-aware of any scheming or insurrection, assassination plots against Domitian existed. On September 18, 96 AD, a gang of conspirators killed Domitian. Parthenius, Domitian’s chamberlain, is claimed to have been the mastermind behind the assassination. Maximus and Stephanus were the masterminds behind the well-planned murder. Domitian was reading a paper in his room when he was stabbed in the crotch. He was stabbed seven times before he could react.
Domitian’s body was brought away on an ordinary bier and summarily incinerated by his attendant Phyllis, who was unpopular among the senators. His remains were laid to rest at the Flavian shrine. Marcus Cocceius Nerva was his successor.
The senate was overjoyed at Domitian’s death. Instead of mourning, the senators ordered the destruction of everything he had, from his coins and statues to his arches. They completely removed his name from the public record. The troops, on the other hand, were dissatisfied with his death and sought the punishment of Domitian’s killers, which was denied.
Estimated Net worth
The estimated net worth of Domitian is unknown.