Domitian

Domitian, full name Titus Flavius Domitianus (ad51-96), Roman emperor (ad81-96), known primarily for his conflict with the Senate and the Roman aristocracy. Domitian was the second son of Emperor Vespasian and the brother of Emperor Titus, whom he succeeded. In Germany he defeated the Chatti (83) and began construction of the limes, a line of fortifications marking the Roman frontier between the Rhine and Danube rivers. In Britain, Roman control was extended north into Scotland by 84, and in eastern Europe an invasion of the Dacians was ended when they were forced back across the Danube in 88. In 89 Domitian suppressed a revolt led by Antonius Saturninus, governor of Upper Germany.

Although popular with the army, Domitian was hated by the senators, who resented his attempts to dominate them and were especially angered by his adoption of the title dominus et deus (“master and god”). In 85 he made himself censor for life, which gave him the official right to supervise the Senate's behavior. After Saturninus's revolt, and especially in the last three years of his reign, Domitian terrorized the aristocracy, executing many of them for supposed acts of treason and confiscating their property to help pay for his increasing expenses. On September 16, 96, he was murdered at the instigation of court officials and his wife, Empress Domitia.