The Flavian Dynasty

The Flavian dynasty ruled the Roman Empire between AD 69 and 96, encompassing the reigns of Vespasian (69–79), and his two sons Titus (79–81) and Domitian (81–96). The Flavians rose to power during the civil war of 69, known as the Year of the Four Emperors. After Galba and Otho died in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in mid 69. Titus became king and reigned for 2-3 years and died from a fever. Despite initial concerns over his character, Titus ruled to great acclaim following the death of Vespasian on 23 June 79 and was considered a good emperor by Suetonius and other contemporary historians. Suetonius claims that Vespasian was continuously met with conspiracies against him. Only one conspiracy is known specifically. In 78 or 79, Epirus Marcellus and Aulus Cecena Alienus attempted to incite the Praetorian Guard to mutiny against Vespasian, but the conspiracy was debunked by Titus. Domitian was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard the day after Titus’ death, commencing a reign which lasted more than fifteen years longer than any man who had reigned Rome since Tiberius. Domitian strengthened the economy by revaluating the Roman currency, expanded the border defenses of the Empire, and initiated a massive building program to restore the damaged city of Rome. The most significant military campaign undertaken during the Flavian period, was the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. by Titus. The destruction of the city was the culmination of the Roman campaign in Judea following the Jewish uprising of 66.