Seleucis and Pieria. Antioch. Domitian AD 81-96.
Bronze Æ

21 mm, 7,68 g

IMP DOMITIANVS CAES AVG, laureate head left / Large S C within wreath.

Very Fine

RPC II 2024; McAlee 411c.

Domitian, whose full name was Titus Flavius Caesar Domitianus Augustus, served as Caesar before becoming the Roman Emperor. Born on October 24, AD 51, he was the second son of the Roman Emperor Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus. Domitian's ascent to power followed the Flavian dynasty established by his father and brother. In AD 69, a tumultuous year known as the Year of the Four Emperors, Vespasian emerged victorious, stabilizing the Roman Empire. After Vespasian's death in AD 79, Titus succeeded him, but his reign was short-lived due to his sudden death in AD 81. Following Titus' demise, Domitian assumed the role of Caesar. As Caesar, Domitian held a position of great importance in the Roman political structure. The title "Caesar" originally referred to a family name but evolved into a title indicating the heir to the throne. Domitian's period as Caesar was essentially a period of apprenticeship and preparation for his eventual role as Emperor. In AD 81, upon the death of his brother Titus, Domitian became the Roman Emperor, marking the beginning of his fifteen-year reign. His rule was characterized by both achievements and controversies, including his authoritarian style, ambitious building projects, and conflicts with the Roman Senate. Domitian's reign came to an end when he was assassinated in AD 96, leading to the ascension of Nerva as the next Roman Emperor. Despite the controversies surrounding Domitian's rule, he left a lasting impact on Roman history, both for his achievements and the challenges he faced during his time as Caesar and Emperor.