The Lives of the Caesars · Chapter
Domitian explained
This chapter details the life and reign of Domitian, from his impoverished and infamous youth to his rise as emperor.
What happens
This chapter details the life and reign of Domitian, from his impoverished and infamous youth to his rise as emperor. It highlights his early cruelty (catching and stabbing flies), his lavish public spectacles, his inconsistent rule that turned virtues into vices, and his savage persecution of senators, philosophers, and perceived enemies. The chapter also covers his personal life, including his marriage to Domitia Longina, his divorce and reconciliation, and his ruthless treatment of his brother Titus.
Themes in this chapter
Character and Morality of Rulers
Domitian's inconsistent rule, turning virtues into vices, and his cruel, cunning nature are central to the chapter.
Political Intrigue and Violence
Domitian's plots against his brother, executions of senators and philosophers, and use of torture highlight the violent political intrigue.
Public Image and Propaganda
Domitian's lavish games, building projects inscribed with his own name, and pretence of modesty and interest in poetry show his concern for public image.
Characters to notice
- Domitian
The subject of the chapter; his early life, reign, cruelty, and personal relationships are described.
- Domitia Longina
Domitian's wife, whom he divorced due to her affair with the actor Paris but later took back.
- Titus
Domitian's brother, whom he plotted against and left for dead; Domitian later assailed his memory.
- Vespasian
Domitian's father, who reprimanded him for his ambition and made him follow in a litter.
- Aelius Lamia
Former husband of Domitia Longina; Domitian took his wife and later executed him for joking remarks.
- Vibius Crispus
Made the witty remark 'Not even a fly' about Domitian's fly-stabbing habit.
- Nerva
Alleged to have debauched Domitian in his youth.
- Flavius Sabinus
Domitian's paternal uncle, with whom he took refuge during the war with Vitellius; later executed by Domitian.
Key passages
“At the beginning of his reign he used to spend hours in seclusion every day, doing nothing but catch flies and stab them with a keenly-sharpened stylus.”
Early in his rule, Domitian would isolate himself for hours, merely catching flies and killing them with a sharp pen.
Illustrates Domitian's idle cruelty and eccentricity.
“He constantly gave grand costly entertainments, both in the amphitheatre and in the Circus, where in addition to the usual races between two-horse and four-horse chariots, he also exhibited two battles, one between forces of infantry and the other by horsemen; and he even gave a naval battle in the amphitheatre.”
Domitian frequently hosted expensive spectacles, including chariot races, infantry and cavalry battles, and even a naval battle in the amphitheater.
Highlights Domitian's lavish public entertainments.
“He put to death many senators, among them several ex-consuls, including Civica Cerealis, at the very time when he was proconsul in Asia, Salvidienus Orfitus, Acilius Glabrio while he was in exile—these on the ground of plotting revolution, the rest on any charge, however trivial.”
Domitian executed numerous senators, including former consuls, often on flimsy charges of conspiracy or trivial offenses.
Demonstrates Domitian's ruthless persecution of the senatorial class.
