Domitian: An Ancient Roman Ruler

Domitian was an ancient roman ruler, he ruled from 81-96 CE. His rule consisted of

peace and stability, until fear and paranoia swept over. He was killed by the people who were

closest to him. This brought an end to the short dynasty of the Flavians.

Domitian’s actual name is Titus Flavius Domitianus, he was born October 24, 51 CE. He

was the youngest son of Vespasian, who was the future emperor, he ruled from 64-79 CE, but his

mother Flavia Domitillia Major died when he was young. Many people considered him bright

but he spent his “rather degraded youth” in poverty. During December of 69 CE, his father was

fighting in the eastern provinces trying to secure the throne from Emperor Vitellius. During the

battle, Domitian spent time in Rome with his uncle Flavius Sabinus. Vitellius’s forces besieged

Rome, and set fire to the temple Domitian was hiding in. Luckily, Domitian and a friend escaped

across the Tiber.

When Flavian forces entered the city, Domitian returned to Rome. He became temporary

albeit, he was the representative of the Flavian family, Roman citizens hailed him as “caesar,”

but he did not make most of the administrative decisions, they were left to others. His father

returned in October 70 CE to the city, and he was hailed as the new emperor. Domitian was

never given any real responsibility, he was given little by his father and brother, he had poor

preparation for being a future emperor.

He was appointed emperor on September 14, 81 CE, he was appointed emperor after his

brother Titus’s death, who died of natural causes. Domitian was with his brother at the time

outside of Rome. Some rumors were started saying that Domitian played a part in his brother’s

death, it was said by poison. Another rumor started about Domitian was, that he had earlier

planned to overthrow his brother from the thrown and take it for himself. Domitian though did
not wait for his brother’s death, he returned to Rome and the Praetorian camp immediately and

was appointed emperor. Domitian’s brother said some interesting and confusing things right

before his death. His last words were, “I have made but one mistake,” as stated on ancient.eu. He

said, that there was one sin laying on his conscience. His remarks were believed to be him

referring to incest with Domitia, Domitian’s wife. But she denied the allegations made against

herself and Titus. People believed her because at the time if you had an affair you would have

bragging about it. Others believe that Titus’s one mistake was that he should have killed

Domitian when he had the chance.

The early days of Domitian’s rule he proved “to be an able administrator and did not

ignore the welfare of the people,” as said on ancient.eu. Before the Flavians came to power, a lot

of Rome needed refurbishing and rebuilding. This was needed because of decay and fire which

previous emperors had failed to fix. Domitian fixed the gutted ruins of many public buildings,

and also the Capitol that was burned down in 80 CE. He also built Jupiter the Guardian, a new

stadium, and a concert hall where musicians and poets could practice. He also built a new

Flavian Palace on Palatine Hill for official functions, he built this because he did not like the old

imperial palace. He built Domus Augustana, here held many banquets and receptions. He

attempted to raise the standards of publics moral laws, so he banned male castration,

admonishing senators who practiced homosexuality, and also censuring the Vestal Virgins

among other indiscretions, incest. If you performed an act of incest you would be buried alive

and your love would be executed. It is funny that he tried to impose moral laws among the

people, because he lacked moral values himself. In his early reign people viewed him as

generous, he showed self-restraint, he was considerate of all his fellow companions, and very

conscientious when he was dispensing justice. Domitian was very entertained by games,
specifically chariot races. He loved all public entertainment, his favorite public entertainment

involved women and dwarves. This all took place in the colosseum, which was built by

Domitian’s father Vespesian, it’s basement was flooded and used for naval battle. Domitian also

founded a festival of music, horsemanship, and gymnastics. These events were held every five

years, but these events were costly, and the cost would eventually take a toll on the emperor’s

finances.

Domitian considered himself a military man, like his father and brother, and constantly

sent messages to generals in the field, he sent them advice and recommendations. He wanted to

gain some credibility with the army. As stated on ancient.eu, “he embarked on a victorious

campaign to Germany to engage the Chatti in 83 CE”. For his success, he awarded himself the

title of Germanicus. In 85 CE, the Dacians crossed the Danube onto northern frontier, thus

killing a Roman commander. The Roman army won victory at Tapae four years later, however

Domitian was forced to have a truce with King Decebalus. A war began in 92 CE, the Samatians

crossed the Danube and they attacked Roman frontier. This war lasted until after the emperor’s

death. Despite his military achievements, he earned the respect of the army when he gave them a

raise. He was the first emperor since Augustus to give them a raise.

Domitian was very paranoid. He was not evil to begin with, his greed and fear of

assassination made him a cruel man, this was said by Suetonius in his The Twelve Caesars. In

Roman History written by historian Cassius Dio, he said that Domitian “was both bold and quick

to anger”. He was secretive and only showed affection to women, he was also vain and self-

conscience since he was bald. So, he could pay for his extravagances he tightened Jewish tax and

he seized the fortunes of wealthy Romans and senators. Domitian accused his wife of adultery,

and he planned to put her to death, this was a common practice at the time. Domitia had been
married to a senator, Aelius Lamia, but he was convinced to divorce her so she could marry

Domitian. Domitian temporarily left his wife and lived with his niece Julia, which was Titus’s

daughter by his second marriage. He lived there until he was convinced by others to return to his

wife.

One of Domitian’s imperial staff, Stemphanus, had been accused of embellishment and

was scared for his life. So, he went to the conspirators and offered his services. He faked and arm

injury and wore protective wrapping; but the dagger was actually hidden inside. Stemphanus

approached the emperor and stabbed him in the groin. There was another man there Parthenius,

who helped Stemphanus. Domitian struggled trying to reach for his knife that he kept under his

pillow, luckily for the conspirators, Parthenus had removed it. The other conspirators rushed into

the room and hacked the emperor to death, Domitian died at the age of forty-four. His ashes were

given to his old nurse Phyllus and interred the Temple of Flavian. After his death, the Senate was

overjoyed. Domitian’s wife was said to have approved the assassination of her husband, but it

was never confirmed.

 Citations

https://www.ancient.eu/domitian/