Domitian (81 - 96 AD)
Family and Background
Younger son of Vespasian
Principal Events (Foriegn)
- Agricola's campaigns in Britain
- Campaign on the Rhine (83)
- Wars with the Dacians (85-89)
- Defeat of Oppius Sabinus (85)
- Defeat of Cornelius Fuscus (87)
- Victory over the Dacians by L.Tettius Iulianus at Tapae (88)
- Treaty with the Dacians (89)
Principal Events (Domestic)
- Revolt of Saturninus, commander of the Rhine legions (90)
- Trials of several prominent Romans, who were charged with treason (93)
- Assasination (96)
Outlines of Policy
Domitian was noted for his suspicious, insecure character, which may
be reflected in his interest in foriegn adventures. He is said to
have been suspicious of able men, and his initial choice as commander
against the Dacians, was a disaster (the Romans were seriously
defeated in 84). On a more generous estimate, it is possible that the
inactivity of Vespasian and Titus with regard to Rome's northern
neighbors was creating a dangerous situation that needed serious
remedy by the time that he took the throne. Outside of Rome, the
empire appears to have flourished, and his provincial appointments
seem to have been competent. His inability, however, to get along
with the senate in the wake of Saturninus' revolt led to the plot
which resulted in his assasination. His reign saw one of the great
periods of Latin literature, and he is personally associated with such
luminaries as the poets Martial and Statius.
Further Reading
Suetonius, Domitian;
Tacitus, Agricola;
Pliny the Younger, Letters and Panygeric;
Cassius Dio, History of Rome, 67;
A. Garzetti, From Tiberius to the Antonines.