Domitian AD 81-96 Silver Denarius Rome

Domitian AD 81-96 Silver Denarius

Laureate bust right/Minerva standing left holding thunderbolt

The Twelve Caesars

Rome

RCV2732, 19mm, 3.43g

Domitian AD 81-96

The younger son of Vespasian Domitian has gone down in history as a tyrant. He was lucky to have escaped when he was besieged on the Capitol during the final days of Vitellius.
Although he was created Caesar by his father Domitian remained in the background. This led to resentment and resulted in his highly autocratic behaviour when he became emperor. Although later vilified Domitian did show some aptitude as a military commander. Many temples were restored during Domitian’s reign. He also showed respect for religious rituals and maintained high standards in public performances. He could however be cruel and vindictive to those he considered to be his enemies having at least twelve ex consuls murdered. This resulted in further conspiracies and led to his assassination in AD 96.
Domitian improved the weight and quality of the coinage and also raised military pay which made him popular with the army. During his reign Agricola campaigned in northern Britain and attempted to incorporate Scotland into the Roman Empire.