Titus Flavius Vespasianus
Titus Flavius Vespasianus led the siege that razed Jerusalem in 70 A.D., then went on to succeed his father Vespasian as Roman emperor. Titus was the eldest son of Vespasian, who ruled as emperor from 69-79. Titus spent his early career on military campaigns in Britain and Germany, but he became a Roman hero after he destroyed Jerusalem and put down the Jewish revolt. He returned to Rome in 71 and his father made it clear Titus would be the next ruler of a Flavian dynasty. Titus became emperor after the death of Vespasian, but ruled for just two years. It was an eventful reign. Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79, and the next year pestilence and a three-day fire had Rome in a shambles. By contemporary accounts, Titus responded swiftly and was generous to the disaster victims. The Colosseum was also completed during Titus's reign, and he built baths in the city and hosted large public spectacles. He was succeeded by his younger brother, Domitian, and though there have been rumors that Domitian somehow did away with Titus, most historians agree Titus probably died of natural causes.
Titus was succeeded by his thirty year-old brother, Domitian, younger than Titus by eleven years. Domitian skillfully managed the state's finances and contributed more to public construction. He insisted on each individual being protected by law, and he was concerned with morality. He wanted senators and their families and the equites (families of wealth from commerce) to behave according to accepted moral standards and to avoid scandals. He severely punished Vestal Virgins who had given into the temptation of sexual intercourse. He drove prostitutes from Rome's streets and enforced a law against what was considered unnatural sexual practices, including homosexuality. In the interest of children he outlawed their castration, which had been the practice of some religious cults. And he sought to end the buying and selling of eunuchs.
Titus was succeeded by his thirty year-old brother, Domitian, younger than Titus by eleven years. Domitian skillfully managed the state's finances and contributed more to public construction. He insisted on each individual being protected by law, and he was concerned with morality. He wanted senators and their families and the equites (families of wealth from commerce) to behave according to accepted moral standards and to avoid scandals. He severely punished Vestal Virgins who had given into the temptation of sexual intercourse. He drove prostitutes from Rome's streets and enforced a law against what was considered unnatural sexual practices, including homosexuality. In the interest of children he outlawed their castration, which had been the practice of some religious cults. And he sought to end the buying and selling of eunuchs.
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