X. Titus
(Flavian Dynasty II)
Emperor: 79 AD to 81 AD
Born: November 30th 39 AD Died: September 13th 81 AD
Titus was Roman Emperor from 79 to 81 and the second member of the Flavian dynasty. Titus succeeded his father Vespasian upon his death, thus becoming the first Roman Emperor to come to the throne after his own biological father. Prior to becoming Emperor, Titus gained renown as a military commander, serving under his father in Judaea during the First Jewish-Roman War. When Vespasian was declared Emperor in 69, Titus was left in charge of ending the rebellion. In 70, he besieged and captured Jerusalem, and destroyed the Second Temple. For this achievement Titus was awarded a triumph; the Arch of Titus commemorates his victory to this day. Titus held seven consulships during Vespasian's reign and acted as his secretary, appearing in the Senate on his behalf, and was appointed Praetorian prefect.
Because of his many (alleged) vices, many Romans feared that he would be another Nero. Titus went to great lengths to not be known as a second Nero. Consequently, no senators were put to death during his reign. As emperor, he is best known for completing the Colosseum and for his generosity during two disasters, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79, which destroyed Pompeii and a fire in Rome in 80. After barely two years in office, Titus died of a fever. He was deified by the Roman Senate and succeeded by his younger brother Domitian.
Construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum, was begun under Vespasian and completed in 80 under Titus. In addition to providing spectacular entertainments to the Roman populace, the building was also conceived as a gigantic triumphal monument to commemorate the military achievements of the Flavians during the Jewish wars. The inaugural games lasted for a hundred days and were said to be extremely elaborate, including gladiatorial combat, fights between wild animals, mock naval battles for which the theatre was flooded, horse races, and chariot races. During the games, wooden balls were dropped into the audience, inscribed with various prizes (clothing, gold, or even slaves), which could then be traded for the designated item.
At the closing of the games, Titus officially dedicated the amphitheatre, which was to be his final recorded act as Emperor, as he fell ill on the way home and died of a fever. Only two years into his rule. He was succeeded by his brother Domitian, whose first act as emperor was to deify his brother.
Titus's record among ancient historians stands as one of the most exemplary of any emperor. All the surviving accounts from this period present a highly favorable view towards Titus. His character has especially prospered in comparison with that of his brother Domitian.