The Flavians came to power in 69AD, following the political upheaval that followed Nero's reign . This article will highlight their achievements and failures.
Vespasian and his sons Titus and Domitian, ruled Rome from sixty-nine to ninety-six AD. Known as the Flavian dynasty, Vespasian and Titus were hailed by Roman historian Suetonias as good emperors. Domitian, on the other hand, was less liked and according to the contemporary historian Tacitus, persecuted many people. For the most part, their leadership provided Rome with some stability, lacking in the previous years.
Vespasian
Vespasian’s background, in comparison to his predecessor’s was a modest one. Not descending from noble ranks, Vespasian made his name by rising politically in Rome and through the army. In sixty-six AD he was appointed by Nero to conduct the war in Judea, which was causing trouble in the East. Together with his son, Titus, he was able to reestablish control over the region. Following the death of Nero and the subsequent civil strife that saw a succession of short-lived emperors in sixty-nine AD, Vespasian received strong support from the army, and proceeded to defeat the current emperor Vitellius, to claim the throne. Vespasian was known as a ruler showing great moderation and common sense during his time as emperor. He instituted taxes to refill the treasury and improve public finances. He brought into Rome able and good men and dismissed the unworthy from office. Roman people knew him for his mild disposition, generosity and loyalty. He did much to beautify Rome and started work on what was to be later known as the Colosseum. In seventy-nine AD Vespasian passed away naturally, from what seems to have been complications from an excessive bout with diarrhea. His rule provided a smooth transition for his son Titus, who took over the reigns as emperor.
Titus
Born in thirty-nine AD, Titus accompanied his father to Judea to put down the Jewish Rebellion. When Vespasian returned to Rome in sixty-nine AD, Titus continued with the campaign to end the rebellion, which he did in seventy AD. In seventy-nine AD, when his father passed away, he took over as emperor. His rule was eventful, even though it lasted for only a few years. He was the emperor during the volcanic eruption at Pompeii in seventy-nine AD, saw a major fire and plague outbreak occur in Rome during eighty AD, put down a rebellion by Terentius Maximus, a Nero look alike, and completed work on the Colosseum, started by his father. He was a well respected and a well-loved emperor. Titus died in eighty-one AD from a high fever. Despite ruling for a short time, he was deified by the Senate and his rule was studied and emulated by many of the emperors, following his brother Domitian’s, rule.
Domitian
Domitian, born in fifty-one AD in Rome, was hailed as Titus’ successor, with the help of the Praetorian Guard. A big supporter of the games, Domitian promoted and supported many competitions and competitors. He is also known for continuing the reconstruction and beautification of Rome, started by his brother. Unfortunately, as a ruler, administrator and military leader, he lacked the talent and foresight of his predecessor’s. The resultant economic recession, the devaluation of money and increased taxation made him increasingly unpopular with the masses. Some senators, also tired of Domitian’s absolute rule, their diminishing power and his paranoia towards persecution, plotted against him. Domitian was assassinated in the year of ninety-six AD.
Ninety-six AD marked the end of the Flavian dynasty. Domitian’s successor, Nerva, was appointed by the Senate, and marked the start of what was known as the reign of the five good emperors. Overall, despite Domitian’s rule, the Flavians promoted more stability than what had been present before and paved the way for a more prosperous Rome.
References
Boyle, A.J. and Dominik, W.J., Eds: Flavian Rome: Culture, image, Text. 2003
