Ancient Rome - 81-96 AD Domitian AV Aureus NGC Choice AU Fine Style

Struck as Caesar. Starting out with great promise, Domitian as a youth was not as privileged as his older brother Titus, but showed promising abilities as he made his way through the Roman political system, amassing considerable titles and honors during his father Vespasian’s time as emperor. While this did not translate into political power immediately for Domitian, it gave him a base to consolidate when it came time for him to ascend to the throne and realize his goal of becoming emperor. An expert archer as a youth, Domitian also inherited the work ethic of his father and older brother. Although not as adept in finance as his father, he still managed to leave a surplus in the treasury upon his death.

Always popular with the army, Domitian was the first emperor since Claudius to direct military campaigns in person. While his reign was relatively peaceful throughout the empire, there were hostile incursions along the river borders to be dealt with. Although not exactly an renowned commander, he directed 4 campaigns, on the Rhine and Danube, which were ultimately resolved by diplomacy. Additionally, he secured the loyalty of the army with pay raises for the legionnaires, increasing their salaries from 300 to 400 denarii.

During most of his relatively long reign of 15 years, Domitian was not favored by the Senate, who viewed his increasingly erratic and paranoid behavior with suspicion and fear for their own positions. After executing four of the six Vestal Virgins for their numerous love affairs (ironic, it would seem) his reign seemed to be on a downward trajectory. Executions of senators increased, as Domitianutilized a network of spies and informants to help do away with potential or imagined enemies. Eventually, a palace coup was successful, and Domitianwas overthrown and murdered by a consortium of freedmen and chamberlains, with even his wife Domitia participating in the plot. He was succeeded by the elderly senator Nerva, in a clear rebuke to the military that was Domitian’s strength.