Bust of Domitian

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Domitian ruled Rome from 81 to 96 AD. He was the younger brother of Titus and son of Vespasian, two emperors who had preceded him on the throne, and the last member of the Flavian dynasty. Domitian's authoritarian rule put him at odds with the Roman Senate, which he severely limited in power during his reign. Domitian played a minor role during his father's and brother's reigns, but after Titus' death, he was appointed emperor by the Praetorian Guard. His 15-year reign was the longest since that of Tiberius. As emperor, Domitian strengthened the economy by revaluing Roman coins, expanded the empire's border defenses, and initiated a massive building project to restore Rome. Domitian led military campaigns in Britain and Dacia, where his general Agricola attempted to conquer Caledonia and Domitian fought against King Decebalus. Domitian's government exhibited strong authoritarian characteristics; he saw himself as a new Augustus, an enlightened despot destined to guide the Roman Empire into a new era of brilliance. Domitian fostered a cult of personality through religious, military, and cultural propaganda, and by nominating himself perpetual censor, he sought to control public and private morals. As a result, Domitian was popular with the people and army, but considered a tyrant by members of the Roman Senate. Domitian's reign ended in 96 when he was assassinated by court officials. He was succeeded on the same day by Nerva, his advisor. After Domitian's death, his memory was condemned to oblivion by the Roman Senate, while senatorial authors such as Tacitus, Pliny the Younger, and Suetonius portrayed him as a cruel and paranoid tyrant. However, modern historians have characterized Domitian as a ruthless but efficient autocrat whose cultural, economic, and political programs laid the foundation for the peaceful second century.