Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

DOMITIAN

Titus Flavius Domitianus, the younger son of Vespasian, born at Rome in 51 c.e. Unlike his brother Titus, he was not educated in the Roman court and did not join his father in military campaigns. Still, he was a key figure in the Flavian takeover in Rome in 69. At the death of Titus in 81, Domitian became emperor and ruled until his murder in 96.

Domitian was a capable administrator but autocratic in rule, largely ignoring the senate. His adoption of the titles “lord” and “god” and his construction of a luxurious palace underscored his despotism. Though he tried to raise standards of public morality, Domitian was later vilified for lustful behavior. He introduced numerous Greek elements into the games and culture of Rome, at great financial costs, which led to confiscations and heavy taxations. His generous support for the military and his involvement in several Germanic campaigns won him loyalty from the legions. In 93 Domitian began to execute numerous senators, knights, and imperial officials for suspected conspiracy. His execution of his niece’s husband Flavius Clemens on the charge of atheism and his excessive taxation of Jews were associated by later writers with an alleged assault on Christians. Some understand Domitian’s encouragement of the imperial cult as the background for the persecution of Christians in Asia Minor reflected in Revelation.

Bibliography. B. W. Jones, The Emperor Domitian (London, 1992); C. Scarre, Chronicle of the Roman Emperors (London, 1995).

Scott Nash

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

DOMITIAN

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)