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The Flavian Dynasty

Introduction

I have already written about the famous founders of the Roman Empire, the family of Julius and its relations by marriage, the Claudians. I have written, too, about the Year of the Four Emperors, 69AD; a year that ended with Tiberius Flavius Vespasianus as emperor but by no means in control.

The rule of the Flavians consisted of no more than the rule of Vespasian and his two sons, a span of twenty-six years. But they were important years in a number of respects.

Most of the accomplishments were Vespasian’s. He was not a brilliant emperor, but he was competent and a firm leader who respected the Roman traditions—exactly what was needed at the time. First and most fundamentally, Vespasian restored order within the Empire. He disposed of his rival claimants, and quelled various rebellions that the succession crisis had spawned. Because he had two sons, he represented a hope that the stability he had won back for Rome might continue.

His elder son, Titus, seemed to be all his father was and more, for he was handsome and learned and charming. He served effectively in the Jewish War. But he was emperor for scarcely a year before an unexpected illness carried him off.

Titus’ younger brother was Domitian, a man of very different character. Cruel and tyrannical, he consciously sought to make himself a despot. He trusted no one and ended by making himself an enemy to everyone. Whereas Vespasian was largely indifferent to efforts to hail him as divine, Domitian sought the honor, allowing poets to address him as Lord and God. He also introduced the requirement that soldiers must take an oath of loyalty to the Emperor.