Domitian

Domitian was married to Domitia Longina in 71 AD. This was her second marriage as she was previously married to Lucius Aelius Plautius Lamia Aelianus. The couple was blessed with a son in 80 AD but the child died after three years.

Despite being super conscious of any plotting or rebellion, plots of assassinating Domitian existed. A group of conspirators assassinated Domitian on September 18, 96 AD. Domitian's chamberlain Parthenius is said to have been the chief instigator of the assassination. The murder which was well-organized was carried out by Maximus and Stephanus. Domitian was in his room when he was stabbed in his groin while reading a paper. Before he could resist, he was stabbed seven times.

Unpopular among the senators, Domitian’s body was carried away on a common bier and unceremoniously cremated by his nurse Phyllis. His ashes were interred at the Flavian temple. He was succeeded by Marcus Cocceius Nerva.

Domitian was born to Titus Flavius Vespasianus and Flavia Domitilla Major on October 24, 51 AD in Rome. He was the youngest child of the couple and had an elder brother Titus and sister Domitilla the Younger.

Young Domitian lost his mother and sister by the time he turned six. His father and brother were involved in the Roman military and played a commanding role in Germania and Judaea.

Domitian completed his academic education, studying rhetoric and literature. Highly intellectual and bright, Domitian grew up to become a learned and educated adolescent. Unlike his brother though, he wasn’t trained in court education and did not show military skills as well.

Domitian lacked the charisma that his father and brother had. He was mostly lazy and suspicious. His remote ways and love for solitude made him isolated. Furthermore, he displayed self-deprecating sense of humor

During the outbreak of the civil war in 69 AD, while his brother Titus was securing the throne from Emperor Vitellius, Domitian remained in Rome with his uncle Flavius Sabinus. When Vitelllius forces besieged Rome, he fled with his friend across Tiber.

When Flavian forces entered Rome, he returned to the city and gained the title of ‘Caesar’. He became a representative of the Flavian family and was appointed praetor with consul powers. However, he wasn’t given any office with the imperium. Though Domitian held six consulships under his father, none excepting one was an ordinary consulship. Despite being less prestigious, they did however gain Domitian valuable Roman senate experience.

Following the death of his father, his brother took the throne. Domitian expected to have the same position as his brother had under his father. However, he was denied of both tribunician and imperium power that his brother enjoyed. Furthermore, his role was limited to being largely ceremonial.

The untimely death of his brother, while on a trip to Sabine territories, automatically made Domitian the subsequent Emperor of the Flavian dynasty. Though theories surrounding his role in the death of his brother have been doing rounds, none prove Domitian’s involvement.

On September 14, 81 AD, Domitian was proclaimed as the third Roman Emperor of the Flavian dynasty. He was bestowed with tribunician powers and office of the Pontifex Maximus. He also gained the titles Augustus and Pater Patriae.