[Prev Page][Contents][Next Page]

The Flavian Dynasty

Titus (79-81)

Titus was with his father in Palestine when the civil war broke out. Vespasian left his son to prosecute that war while he went off to be emperor. Thus it was Titus who commanded the Roman legions during the famous sack of Jerusalem. He carried off the Torah, the seven-stemmed candle, and the golden table on which it stood. These and many other trophies formed part of the prizes exhibited during his triumph in 79, and were carved into his triumphal arch that still stands in Rome today.

Though is rule was brief, Titus was in power for two memorable events. The first was the eruption of Vesuvius in 79. The other was the opening of the Colosseum, which had been commissioned by his father.

It is to Titus that the ancient epigram refers: those whom the Roman people love die young.