brm_760183 - DOMITIANUS As

DOMITIANUS

(12/69-18/09/96)

Caesar under Vespasianus

In December 69, Domitian received the title of Caesar - therefore heir to the Empire - at the same time as his brother Titus. He is however the only one present in Rome with his uncle Flavius Sabinus, who perishes in the fire of the Capitol. Proclaimed "Princeps Iuventutis" (Prince of Youth), he kept his title even after the death of his father in 79. After the death of his brother Titus on September 13, 81, which some describe as an assassination at the instigation of Domitian himself, he becomes emperor and opens a lamentable reign which will end with his assassination.