Emperor Titus at The Louvre, Paris

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This colossal statue of Titus, emperor from 79 to 81 AD, is one of the first sculptures in the French royal collection; it is believed to have been completed around 100 AD during Titus' reign. Titus (Latin: Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus) was Roman Emperor between 79 and 81 AD. As a member of the Flavian dynasty, Titus succeeded his father Vespasian after his death, thus becoming the first Roman Emperor to take the throne following his own biological father. Before becoming Emperor, Titus earned recognition as a skilled military commander, serving under his father in Judaea during the First Jewish-Roman War. The campaign came to an abrupt halt with Nero's death in 68, allowing Vespasian to launch his bid for imperial power during the Year of the Four Emperors. When Vespasian was declared Emperor on July 1, 69, Titus was left in charge of putting down the Jewish rebellion. In 70, he besieged and captured Jerusalem, destroying the city and the Second Temple. For this achievement, Titus was awarded a triumph: the Arch of Titus commemorates his victory to this day. Under Vespasian's rule, Titus gained notoriety in Rome as Prefect of the Praetorian Guard and for carrying on a highly publicized relationship with Jewish queen Berenice. Despite concerns about his character, Titus ruled to great acclaim following Vespasian's death in 79 AD, earning praise from Suetonius and other contemporary historians. As Emperor, he is best known for completing the Colosseum and for providing relief to those affected by two devastating disasters: the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and a fire that swept through Rome in 80 AD. After serving as Emperor for barely two years, Titus died of a fever on September 13, 81 AD. He was deified by the Roman Senate and succeeded by his younger brother Domitian.