History Focus
September 18

(0051 - 0096)

Titus Flavius Domitianus died September 18, 0096 AD.

Titus Flavius Domitianus was the emperor of Rome from 81 to 96 AD. He was the second son of Emperor Vespasian. He succeeded his elder brother, Emperor Titus, to the throne. Under Domitian's rule Rome had great military success, making him popular with the army. During his reign he defeated Chatti in Germany. He then began construction a line of fortifications marking the Roman frontier between the Rhine and Danube rivers. In Britain he extended the control of Rome northward into Scotland. He stopped an invasion of the Dacians by forcing them back across the Danube in 88. In 89 Domitian suppressed a revolt led by Antonius Saturninus, governor of Upper Germany.

His popularity with the army did not extend to the senators and the aristocracy. He is primarily known for his conflict with them. Domitian adopted the title dominus et deus ("master and god"). He made himself censor for life in 85 AD. This gave him the official right to supervise the Senate's behavior. After the unsuccessful revolt by Antonius Saturninus, Domitian terrorized the aristocracy. He had many of them executed for supposed acts of treason. He then confiscated their property to help pay for his many expenses. On September 18, 0096, he was murdered at the instigation of court officials and his wife, Empress Domitia.

Sources: | Microsoft(R) Encarta(R)