Titus

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Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus, known as Titus, was Roman emperor from 79 to 81 AD. As a member of the Flavian dynasty, he took over his father Vespasian's throne after his death, marking the first time a Roman emperor had succeeded his biological father. Before becoming emperor, Titus gained recognition as a skilled military commander while serving under his father in Judea during the First Jewish-Roman War. The campaign was temporarily halted by Emperor Nero's death in 68 AD, allowing Vespasian to launch his bid for imperial power. When Vespasian became emperor on July 1, 69, Titus remained in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion. In 70, he laid siege to and captured Jerusalem, destroying the city and the Second Temple. This achievement earned him a triumph, which is commemorated by the Arch of Titus today. During his father's rule, Titus gained notoriety in Rome as prefect of the Praetorian Guard and for his tumultuous relationship with Jewish Queen Berenice. Despite concerns over 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 providing relief to those affected by two disasters: Mount Vesuvius' eruption in AD 79 and a fire in Rome in 80. Titus came close to taking his own life after being regarded as a poor ruler. He died of a fever on September 13, 81, after barely two years in office. The Roman Senate deified him, and he was succeeded by his younger brother Domitian.