South End Church of Christ :: Article: Emperor Domitian

South End Church of Christ 4001 Taylor Blvd Louisville, KY 40215

	Emperor Domitian Aaron Erhardt Domitian was the emperor of the Roman Empire from A.D. 81-96. He was a cruel and paranoid leader known for micromanaging all parts of the government and civil affairs. Christians most remember Domitian as a vicious persecutor of our early brethren, including John the apostle. “The emperor Domitian, who was naturally inclined to cruelty, first slew his brother, and then raised the second persecution against the Christians… Among the numerous martyrs that suffered during this persecution was Simeon, bishop of Jerusalem, who was crucified; and St. John, who was boiled in oil, and afterward banished to Patmos” (Foxe, p. 13). Domitian was born in A.D. 51. His birthplace was Rome. He was the youngest son of Vespasian and Domitilla. Vespasian was emperor from A.D. 69-79. Domitian’s older brother, Titus, was also emperor from A.D. 79-81. Domitian’s youth and early career were spent in the shadow of Titus, who was highly regarded. The two brothers were never close, as is evidenced by the fact that Domitian hurried to the praetorian camp to be declared emperor while Titus lay dying. Many believe that Domitian poisoned his brother. Domitian married Domitia Longina in A.D. 70-71. She was the daughter of a renowned general, Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo, whom Nero forced to commit suicide in A.D. 66. Domitia divorced her first husband to marry Domitian. Domitian’s only child was born in A.D. 80, but he died a few years later in A.D. 83. In that same year, Domitia was briefly exiled by her husband for reasons unknown. She was soon returned to the palace where she lived for the remainder of Domitian’s reign. Domitian was personally involved in every aspect of his administration. He implemented an ambitious building program, embarked on military campaigns, and managed the empire’s finances. The Roman Senate’s power was greatly diminished during Domitian’s reign, who viewed himself as the divine monarch. “The abiding significance of his somber fifteen years as emperor is that a sharp advance was made toward complete autocracy and monarchy” (Zondervan, Vol. 2, p. 155). Domitian showed favor to his soldiers and increased their wages more than any previous emperor. However, he never acquired the military reputation of his father and brother. His triumphs were not as spectacular as theirs, and he was often criticized for his tactical and strategic decisions. Domitian spent much time in solitude, which may have been the result of a lonely childhood. His mother died and his father was often away, leaving Domitian in the care of others. As for his physical appearance, Suetonius described Domitian as tall and handsome in his youth. He was, however, very sensitive about his hair loss as he aged. “He was tall of stature, with a modest expression and a high colour. His eyes were large, but his sight was somewhat dim. He was handsome and graceful too, especially when a young man, and indeed in his whole body with the exception of his feet, the toes of which were somewhat cramped. In later life he had the further disfigurement of baldness, a protruding belly, and spindling legs, though the latter had become thin from a long illness… He was so sensitive about his baldness, that he regarded it as a personal insult if anyone else was twitted with that defect in jest or in earnest” (Suetonius, 18). Domitian was very paranoid. He did not hesitate to punish anyone he suspected of having divided loyalties, including family members. Some of his own kin were executed or exiled by the emperor. Domitian imposed a state-religion upon the people in the form of emperor worship. Emperor worship involved burning a pinch of incense and declaring that Caesar was “Lord.” “Once a year everyone in the empire had to appear before Domitian’s magistrates to say kaisar kurios, Caesar is Lord, and as a testimony, to burn a pinch of incense to the godhead of Caesar. After this loyalty test, a written certificate good for one year was issued” (McCord, p. 13). Obviously, this made life extremely difficult for Christians since they honored Christ as Lord (1 Corinthians 12:3), not Caesar. The consequences of that decision were often severe. Domitian was assassinated in A.D. 96. The killer was a man named Stephanus, though he was aided by other conspirators. It is believed that Domitian’s wife was involved in the plot. Domitian’s death brought an end to the Flavian dynasty. He was succeeded the very same day by Nerva. Domitian is not mentioned by name in Scripture, but he is certainly referenced in the book of Revelation as the great persecutor of God’s church.