Domitian << duh MIHSH uhn or doh MIHSH ee uhn >> (A.D. 51-96) succeeded his brother Titus as Roman emperor in A.D. 81. His father Vespasian had been emperor from A.D. 69 to 79. After he became emperor, Domitian tried to restore old standards of conduct and religion and to control the greed of provincial governors. He settled a war with Dacia (now Hungary and Romania) by compromise and extended the Roman frontier in Germany. During his reign, people of other religions, such as Christians and Jews, were persecuted. His absolute rule made him unpopular with the Roman Senate. He was assassinated in his palace.
Domitian was born in Rome on Oct. 24, A.D. 51. He died there on Sept. 18, A.D. 96.
