The New Student's Reference Work/Domitian, Titus Flavius Domitianus

Domitian (dṓ-mĭsh′ ĭ-an), Titus Flavius Domitianus, the third of the Flavian emperors of Rome, was born at Rome in 51 A. D.  When his father, Vespasian, was declared emperor, Domitian was given the administration of Italy by the soldiers until his father’s return from the east; but he so abused the power, that, when his father returned, he excluded Domitian from all share in public affairs; and during the rule of Titus, his brother, he still abjured public life and gave himself up to pleasure.  On the death of Titus he was declared emperor by the soldiers, and began his rule by attempting a reform in morals and by passing many good laws.  In war he was not successful, and was defeated by the Dacians.  He became jealous of the better success of his general, Agricola, in Britain, and in consequence summoned him to Rome and probably had him killed by poison.  In 93 a revolt of his soldiers on the upper Rhine caused him to become suspicious of everyone, and from that time he became very cruel, great numbers of prominent men being put to death.  He was murdered at Rome in 96.  It perhaps was in his reign that John the Apostle was banished to Patmos.