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==Background==

Domitian was born in Rome in 51 AD, the youngest son of Vespasian, the future Emperor. His older brother was the future Emperor Titus. Vespasian held many important offices including that of Consul and was in favor with several successive Emperors and indeed Domitian was educated at the Imperial Court. Domitian’s father was always absent and in 66 AD, Vespasian was appointed to lead the campaign to end the Jewish Revolt. In 68 AD Nero committed suicide after a conspiracy ousted him from power and there followed a period of anarchy in Rome and in the provinces. This following year 69 AD the Empire saw no less than four separate Emperors. Galba first ascended the throne, after Nero and he was rapidly succeeded by Otho, who was later deposed by Vitellus. In the meantime, Vespasian took some of the legions that were concluding the war in Judea and marched on Rome. During 69 AD, Domitian was placed under house-arrest and his life was regularly in danger. Vespasian’s army defeated the legions of Vitellus at the Second Battle of Cremona and made their way to Rome<ref>Tacitus, The Histories, 1 i</ref>. At this time, Domitian was forced to go about in disguise in fear for his life as Vitellus still controlled the city. In December 69 AD, Vespasian entered Rome and was acclaimed Emperor by the Senate and this was the beginning of the Flavian Dynasty <ref>Tacitus, The Histories, 1 I </ref>. Domitian did not play an important part in the government of Vespasian and he was denied any military commands, unlike his elder brother Titus. After the successful reign of Vespasian (79 AD), the elder son became Emperor and he was like his father an effective ruler. Domitian was a rather peripheral figure at this time. However, Titus died in 81 AD and suddenly Domitian has acclaimed Emperor as he was the only surviving male member of the House of Flavius. Some have alleged that he had a hand in the death of his brother and predecessor Titus.

== Reign of Domitian==

Domitian became emperor he moved the seat of government to the Imperial Court. This was a very important symbolic move and it demonstrated that Domitian had little interest in sharing power with the Senators. He made it clear that he wanted to rule as an autocrat, but he also sought to reform the Senate and expelled corrupt senators. Like Augustus he wanted to renew Rome and had himself appointed censor and tried to reform the morals of the general population. He was also concerned with the decline in observance of the old Roman religion and he personally patronized the cult of Minerva. Domitian appears to have favored members of the Equestrian Order (Knights) and they were promoted to high office and this infuriated many in the Senate. It appears that Domitian valued merit and ability and he did not practice nepotism but selected men only on their abilities. Unlike previous Emperors, Domitian was often out of Rome and he regularly visited the Provinces<ref>Suetonius, Life of Domitian, xiv, iv</ref>. However, he did not neglect the welfare of Rome and its citizens and he paid attention to the food and water supply. He was also a lavish builder and he constructed several villas and palaces in Rome and their ruins are still extant. He also built a stadium for the use of the public and rebuilt large areas of the city that had been destroyed in fires. Domitian was a very able administrator and he took a personal interest in affairs of state and personally monitored the bureaucracy. <ref>Suetonius, Life of Domitian, xiv, iv</ref>. The third Flavian ruler was interested in the economy and was prudent in fiscal matters. Like every other Emperor his first duty was the preservation of the Empire and the security of its frontiers. Domitian did not personally lead his legions into battle although he regularly visited battle zones. During his reign his legions campaigned in Germany, Britain and the Balkans. Domitian was faced with a very serious threat from the Dacians and his legions were able to beat back their attempted invasion. The Flavian Emperor was disliked by many in the Senate and he disliked that body and was very suspicious of the Senators<ref> Jones., Brian, The Emperor Domitian (London: Routledge, 1992), p 14 </ref>. During the later years of his reign he became increasingly paranoid and he had several Senators executed for treason <ref>Suetonius, Life of Domitian, xiv, iv</ref>. There was no free speech in Rome towards the end of his reign and Tacitus claims that there was a reign of terror in the city and throughout the Empire. As a result, many in the elite wanted to replace Domitian, but it must be remembered that he was very popular with the ordinary people of Rome and the legionnaires. Despite this, Domitian’s paranoia increased, and he had one of his most-loyal officials executed for treason. This led other court officials to intrigue with Senators and the Praetorian Guard to assassinate him. In December 96 AD the conspirators attacked and stabbed Domitian to death. Hours after his death the Senate acclaimed Nerva as Emperor, which suggests that he was involved in the conspiracy<ref> Jones, p 113 </ref>.