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The Flavian Dynasty

Domitian (81-96)

Unfortunately for Rome, it was Domitian who had the longer reign. He very consciously sought to center power and authority upon himself. Where Vespasian went his own way but went through the motions of consulting the Senate and getting its approval (sometimes after the fact), Domitian let the senators know that they were unnecessary to his goals.

He was an effective emperor. He dealt with troubles on the frontier efficiently, including a protracted war in Dacia. When rebellions erupted, he put them down ruthlessly. He staged magnificent games in the new Colosseum. But he also taxed without mercy, and re-instituted the program of paid informants. He was by nature secretive and suspicious, so that by the mid-90s there was widespread resentment against him.

On 18 September 96, Domitian was assassinated. The assassins were from the Senate and the conspiracy was within Rome itself. As no members of the Flavian house were left, the Senate now stepped in and chose one of its own as the new emperor: Nerva, who was already a very old man. A general called Traianus was the popular choice of the army and in a bit of inspired statesmanship, Nerva associated Trajan with him in rule. Thus the Senate could claim to be choosing the emperor while the army could be placated by knowing that is hero would soon succeed.