Domitian

Domitian (Titus Flavius Domitianus) (dōmĭsh`ən), A.D. 51–A.D. 96, Roman emperor (A.D. 81–A.D. 96), son of Vespasian. Although intended as the heir to his older brother, Titus, he was given no important posts. On Titus' death he succeeded to the throne and proved himself at once proud and more absolutist than his father. In his first years, however, he governed in the interests of order and public welfare. Except for his victory in A.D. 83 over the Chatti, a German tribe, Domitian's campaigns were only partially successful. He recalled (A.D. 84) Agricola from his successful campaign in Britain, probably because he thought it would overtax the empire. As time went on, Domitian became more despotic, particularly after the rebellion in A.D. 89 of Antonius Saturninus, governor of Upper Germany. His despotism caused plots against him, which brought on a reign of terror during the last years of his rule. Finally his wife, Domitia, had a freedman, Stephanus, stab him. Nerva succeeded. Tacitus and Juvenal describe Domitian's reign of terror with bitterness, but modern historians recognize that he governed the empire well.

---

Domitian

 Latin Caesar Domitianus Augustus orig. Titus Flavius Domitianus

(born Oct. 24, AD 51—died Sept. 18, 96, Rome) Roman emperor (81–96). The son of Vespasian, he succeeded his brother Titus, whom he probably had killed. His administration was ostensibly egalitarian and based on precedent, but his laws were severe. Defeats in Britain and Germany undid his successes, though increased pay for the army kept it loyal. From 89 he became crueler, imposing a reign of terror over prominent senators and confiscating his victims' property to cover imperial expenses. The group that killed him included his wife and possibly his successor, Nerva.

---

Domitian

full name Titus Flavius Domitianus. 51--96 ad, Roman emperor (81--96): instigated a reign of terror (93); assassinated

---

Domitian 

(full name, Titus Flavius Domitianus). Born in 51 in Rome; died there in 96. Roman emperor from 81, the last of the Flavian dynasty.

Domitian was the son of Vespasian and his father’s active ally in the struggle for the imperial throne. He tried to gain popularity among the soldiers by raising their pay and among the Roman plebeians through handouts, spectacles, and games. Like his father, Domitian supported the provincial cities and granted Roman citizenship to the provincials. He strengthened the bureaucratic machine and his power by curtailing the rights of the Senate, causing the latter’s opposition. In 89 he was defeated by the Dacians and forced to conclude a peace treaty with them, according to which the Romans had to pay them an annual tribute and supply them with craftsmen and artisans. This further increased the dissatisfaction of the Senate, leading in turn to retaliation by Domitian. He was killed by his own freedmen, who had plotted against him.

REFERENCE

Gsell, S. Essai sur le regne de I’empereur Domitien. Paris, 1894.