Domitian

The younger son of Vespasian, Domitian was an autocratic but administratively effective ruler. He strengthened the frontier defences, reformed the currency, and embarked on ambitious building projects, but his authoritarian style and persecution of the senatorial class led to his assassination.

Domitian's assassination and the Senate's damnatio memoriae of his name demonstrated the tension between autocratic rule and senatorial privilege. His currency reform and administrative efficiency, however, were quietly continued by his successors.

Key Events

83 AD Campaign against the Chatti in Germany; assumed title Germanicus

85 AD Raised the silver content of the denarius above Neronian levels

86 AD Inaugurated the Capitoline Games in the Greek style

89 AD Revolt of the governor Saturninus on the Rhine, swiftly suppressed

93 AD Expulsion of philosophers and intensification of treason trials

96 AD Assassinated in a palace conspiracy involving his own household

Coinage

Domitian's coinage is among the finest in Roman numismatics, with exceptional portrait quality and a brief period of raised silver fineness. His issues are prolific and well-organized, with a detailed and precisely dated titulature that aids in chronological attribution.

Denominations

Aureus Denarius Sestertius Dupondius As Quadrans

Notable Types

Minerva types (the goddess was his personal patron)
Germania Capta types
Secular Games types

Common Reverses

IMP XXII COS XVII CENS P P P MINERVA AVGVST GERMANICVS COS XVI VIRTVTI AVGVSTI

Active Mints

Rome

Key Events

Coinage

Further Reading