The Roman Series: Who was Emperor Domitian?

 On 24 October 51, Domitian was born in Rome. He was the youngest son of Titus Flavius Vespasianus - known as Vespasian - and Flavia Domitilla Major.  He had one older sister, Domitilla the Younger and a brother also named Flavius Vespasianus. 

Childhood

Domitian was not educated at court. He displayed considerable marksmanship with the bow and arrow. 

He was tall, with a modest expression. His eyes were large, but his sight was somewhat dim. He was handsome and graceful too. 

He received the education of young man of the privileged senatorial class, he studied rhetoric and literature. Domitian could quote important poets and writers such as Homer or Virgil on appropriate occasions. He was described as learned and educated. Among his first published works were poetry as well as writings on law and administration. 

The Year of the four emperors

On 9 June 68 , Nero committed suicide and with him the Julio-Claudian dynasty came to an end. Chaos occurred and it led to a year of brutal civil war, known as the Year of the four emperors. Finally Vespasian became the last Emperor of that year. 

However before Vespasian became Emperor, Domitian was placed under house arrest by Vitellius as a safeguard against Flavian aggression. 

On 21 December 69 the Senate proclaimed Vespasian as Emperor, he was joined by his relatives including Domitian. The state of anarchy ended. See also the blogpost about Vespasian on this link. 

Love and Marriage

Domitian 's private affairs were more successful than his political and military career. 

In 70 Vespasian arranged a dynastic marriage between his youngest son and the daughter of Titus Julia Flavia but Domitian was in love to Domitia Longina. She divorced from her husband Lucius Aelius Lamia. Despite all this the alliance was very well for both families. Domitia Longina was the younger daughter of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, a respected general and honoured politician who had distinguished himself for his leadership in  Armenia. She also was the granddaughter of Junia Lepida, a descendant of Emperor Augustus. 

In 80, Domitia and Domitian's only attested son was born. He died in childhood in 83. Little is known from Domitia 's activities as Empress. But it seemed her role was limited. Despite all rumours their marriage was happy. 

Reign

Domitian became Roman Emperor on 14 September 81 after the death of his  brother Titus. See also the blogpost about Titus on this link. 

Domitian moved the centre of the government to the imperial court so the  Senate had less power. In his view the Roman Empire was to be governed as a divine monarchy with himself as the despot. He wanted to guide the Roman people as a cultural and moral authority. Thus he embarked on ambitious
economy, military and cultural programs with the intention of restoring the  Empire to the splendour it had seen under the Emperor Augustus. 

Edicts were issued governing the smallest details of everyday life and law, while taxation and public morals were enforced. 

Famous building works

In Rome itself, he built the Palace of Domitian on the Palatine Hill. The Stadium of Domitian was dedicated as a gift to the people of Rome as part of an Imperial building program. 

In Egypt, Domitian was active in constructing buildings and decorating them. He was present in scenes on the propylon of the Temple of Hathor at Dendera.  His cartouche also appeared in the column shafts of the Temple of Khnum at Esna. 

Military campaigns

Several important wars were fought in Gaul, against the Chatti and across the Danube frontier against the Suebi, the Sarmatians and the Dacians. 

The conquest of Britain continued under the command of Gnaeus Julius Agricola, who expanded the Roman Empire as far as Scotland. 

Domitian was very popular among the soldiers. 

Death

Domitian was assassinated on 18 September 96 by court officials. On the same day Nerva was proclaimed Emperor by the Roman Senate. 

Source pictures: Wikipedia