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He was deeply concerned by 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 promoted them to high office. This infuriated many in the Senate. Domitian valued both merit and ability and opposed nepotism. He selected men primarily based on their abilities. Unlike previous Emperors, Domitian was often out of Rome and he regularly visited the Provinces.<ref>Suetonius, <i>Life of Domitian, xiv, iv</i></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, <i>Life of Domitian, xiv, iv</i></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. The disdain was mutual, Domitian loathed the Senate and was very suspicious of the Senators.<ref> Jones., Brian, <i>The Emperor Domitian</i> (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, <i>Life of Domitian, xiv, iv</i></ref> There was no free speech in Rome towards the end of his reign. The historian Tacitus claimed that there was a reign of terror in the city and throughout the Empire. As a result, many elites wanted to replace Domitian, but Domitian was very popular with the average Romains and the legionnaires.
