Flavian
Flavian is a term that is used to describe the dynasty that arose in Rome after
the defeat of Vitellius by Vespasian. This dynasty is comprised of three emperors
who ruled from the year 69 until 96. The Flavian dynasty was a result of the
Year of the Four Emperors. The fall of this dynasty led to the creation of the
Nervan-Antonian dynasty. The Flavian dynasty was very short. The three Flavian
emperors were Titus, Vespasian, and Domitius. Vespasian was the very first emperor
of this dynasty. He is known for the reforms he created, and he also waged a
number of campaigns against Judaea. His mother was the sister of a member of
the Senate.
Vespasian followed in the footsteps of his older brother and involved himself
in public affairs. He served in the military and was eventually given the rank
of Quaestor. He would eventually gain the rank of Praetor and he worked hard
to impress Caligula, who was the emperor at the time. He married Flavia Domitilla
and though they had two sons and one daughter, Flavia would die without seeing
a Flavian become emperor. His older son Titus would go on to become emperor
of Rome after his death. He was a skilful general, and was known for putting
a stop to the Jewish Rebellion in the year 70. Many contemporary and modern
historians consider him to be a good emperor. He started a number of building
programs and he worked hard to repair damage caused by the eruption of Mount
Vesuvius and a fire in Rome.
Titus was married twice, and is second marriage was a result of the death of
his first wife. However, a conspiracy that involved his second wife caused him
to divorce her, and this marked his last marriage. Titus was given a number
of rewards due to his military success. Domitian was his younger brother and
the last emperor of the Flavian dyanasty. He was also the son of Vespasian.
Unlike his brother, historians give him a reputation for being vicious and paranoid.
He was given a solid education and he spent a large amount of time reading literature.
He would go on to represent the Flavius family once his father gained the title
of emperor. As he became older he was known for his boldness.
He would eventually marry Domitia Longina by force. Domitian was known to frequently
cheat on his wife and historians felt that she did not have much of a problem
with it. Some associate the behaviour of Domitian with the fact that he was
a second son, not entitled to the responsibilities of his brother. This is one
of the primary reasons why many believe he was such a poor ruler. No one ever
thought that he would become emperor, and there was little need to groom him
for this task.
Original Authors: Stephen Palmer
Edit Update Authors: Ryan Norfolk
Updated On: 01/12/2006
