Short Biography about the life of Domitian
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of Domitian, Emperor of Rome and provinces of the Roman Empire.

• Name commonly known as: Domitian

• Latin Roman Name: Titus Flavius Domitianus

• Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: 14 September, 81 AD - 18 September, 96 AD

• Dynasty / Historical Period: Flavian

• Place and Date of Birth: Domitian was born 30 December 39 in Rome

• Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Domitian was his older brother, Titus. Titus died unexpectedly and it was believed that his brother Domitian was the cause of his death. 

• Family connections / Genealogy

  • Name of Father: Vespasian

  • Name of Mother: Domitilla

  • Married: Marcia Furnilla

  • Children: Julia Flavia

• Place and Date of Death: Domitian died 18 September 96 (aged 44)  in Rome

• Name of next Emperor:  The successor to Domitian was Nerva

Why was Domitian famous? Accomplishments, achievements and important events:
Domitian, who was proclaimed emperor by the soldiers upon his brother's death, possessed the mental ability of the Flavian family, joined to the vices and cruelty of the Claudian. He surrounded himself with spies and informers, and put to death the noblest men of his time. Domitian was notorious for his cruelty. He is said to have invented a new method of torture which involved burning the sexual organs of his victims. To preserve the fidelity of the soldiers he doubled their pay, while he won over the people of Rome by spectacular games at the Colosseum. Domitian extended the seating capacity by adding another tier to the Colosseum. He also added the Hypogeum, a vast network of rooms, cells, tunnels and passages under the Roman Colosseum. To maintain his expenditure, he confiscated the property of the richer citizens and no man of wealth was safe from an accusation of treason.

Domitian - The Dacian Wars
Dacia corresponds in the main to modern Romania and Moldova, as well as parts of Hungary, Bulgaria and Ukraine - the Thracian nations. The Dacians, led by their king Decebalus crossed the Danube and Domitian took the field against the Romans. In A.D. 90, the Romans were defeated and forced to conclude a humiliating peace. Yet, on his return to Rome, he celebrated a triumph, assuming the name of Dacicus. Domitian then ordered himself to be styled the "Lord and God," and was worshiped with divine honors.

The End of the Tyrant Domitian
Domitian now ordered himself to be styled the "Lord and God," and was worshiped with divine honors. Christians were murdered in great numbers during the reign of the tyrant Domitian. The most eminent of the nobility were put to death. His wife Domitia learnt that he was planning her death and had him assassinated on 18th September, A.D. 96.

Domitian and the Flavian Dynasty 69AD - 96AD
The Flavian Dynasty 69AD - 96AD. Vespasian who became the first ruler of the Flavian Dynasty followed by Titus and Domitian. Vespasian and his son Titus built the Roman Colosseum.