24 Oct 51 – 96Titus Flavius Domitian was a Roman Emperor who reigned from 81-96 AD. He was the last emperor of the Flavian Dynasty and the son of former emperor Vespasian (69-79). He inherited the throne form his brother Titus, who ruled the Roman Empire from 79-81 AD.
Domitian was known primarily for his attempt to strengthen the economy by revaluing Roman coinage. He also expanded the border control of the Empire and sought to rebuild Rome. Domitian saw himself in the great tradition of Augustus, and he hoped to help inaugurate the empire into a new aged of enlightened Flavian renaissance. Though he was popular with the people, he was reviled by the Senate.
Domitian was assassinated by court officials in 96 AD, and though his friend and former advisor Nerva inherited the throne, Domitian’s reputation was destroyed by the Senate. It was not until modern times that Domitian was seen as an effective and fair, if not ruthless ruler as opposed to a crazed tyrant.
