Domitian (Roman Emperor)

The Emperor Domitian

DOMITIAN, Titus Flavius Domitianus, third Flavian Emperor of Rome, born in Rome Oct. 24, 51 A. ; slain Sept. 18, 96. He was the son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus, succeeding the latter on the throne in 81. He was given control of Italy while his father was in the East, but on account of mismanagement was excluded from public affairs on the return of his father. When his brother Titus became emperor, he was still excluded from public life, but on the death of the former was declared emperor by the soldiers. His administration witnessed the enactment of good laws and internal improvements, but his personal military campaigns against the Germans were unsuccessful. He was defeated by the Dacians, caused the killing of Agricola in Britain on account of jealousy, and, when his soldiers on the Upper Rhine revolted in 93, he became suspicious of all his associates. A conspiracy was formed, largely on account of his intolerable conduct, and he was slain by the dagger of an assassin