Brain W. Jones, The Emperor Domitian aff. (New York: Routledge, 1992). 292 pages
As a historian, I have collected biographies on Roman Emperors. Domitian has been of particular interest to me, because he has traditionally been identified as the driving force behind the arrest and persecution of John while he wrote the book of Revelation.
First, a warning. This book is scholarly and assumes the reader is familiar with Roman history and politics. I have taken classes on Roman history, and I still had to read carefully. Jones also writes in a concise rather than popular style, so this book reads more like a college textbook than a popular biography. Yet I was hard-pressed to find another biography on Domitian, so this book has become a valuable resource.
Domitian was born in Rome on October 25, 51 AD. He was the second son of Vespasian. He lived during tumultuous times when anyone who drew the emperor’s attention was in mortal peril. The first four Roman emperors ruled for more than 80 years, but the next four perished in 18 months (18). These short tenures certainly contributed to Domitian’s suspicions of others.
Under the emperor Claudius, Vespasian’s older son Titus was brought to the emperor’s court and raised with the emperor’s son Britannicus (8). Domitian was not treated with the same care. It is difficult to uncover the truth about Domitian because his many enemies sought to malign his character. Some claimed he was impoverished as a child and was reduced to drastic measures to survive, but Jones discounts these theories.
Vespasian seized control of Rome in 69AD at the age of 60. His son Titus would have succeeded him, but Titus contracted a disease and died young. Domitian was suddenly thrust into the limelight. He built a sprawling residence on top of the Palatine hill called a palatium, from which we get the word “palace.” Domitian spent much time outside of Rome. He longed for military honors and led his army into action.
Domitian undertook at least fifty building projects during his reign, including some magnificent structures. He also raised soldiers’ wages. But as costs mounted, he was forced into austerity measures. It is claimed that he used any excuse to seize wealthy Romans’ properties to gain much-needed revenue.
He was highly sensitive to perceived slights, which resulted in an atmosphere of terror in his court (29). His personality did not help matters. He had no sense of humor and did not enjoy socializing with leading Roman figures. He drank sparingly. He preferred to consume a large lunch so he could watch his guests closely at state dinners without being distracted. He preferred his own company and took solitary walks after his meals. His behavior led to an aloofness that terrified people. Jones notes, “The better one knew him, the less one could like him, for uncertainty soon gave way to fear” (33).
In many ways, Domitian ruled in a manner similar to Augustus. He was financially conservative, which led him to cease expansion in Britain, an endeavor that was costing an enormous sum. He also wished to enforce morals and undergird traditional religion. He was devoted to the god Minerva (100). Yet rumors circulated about his own immorality. He apparently convinced his wife, Domitia, to leave her husband and marry him. He was accused of seducing his niece Julia and living openly with her, but Jones suspects this rumor may be untrue (39).
Domitian was a close manager of government affairs. Jones suggests the overall honesty and efficiency of the government increased during his rule (109). However, his methods were not always popular. Jones notes that there are no pagan references to Domitian ever persecuting Christians. Because he was a traditional Roman, he viewed Christianity and Judaism as a form of atheism, as they rejected all but one God. Holding to Christian beliefs was grounds for prosecution. Nonetheless, Jones suggests that Domitian did not launch any widescale persecution of Christians (119). In fact, Jones suggests that references to persecution in the book of Revelation better fit under the reign of Nero, which would have been some twenty or more years earlier.
Domitian was murdered in a plot by his court officials. He had recently put two to death and others likely feared they would be next. An aid stabbed the emperor with a smuggled knife. Domitian kept a knife under a pillow for defense, but the plotters had neutralized it in advance. A new emperor, Nerva, was proclaimed that same day, suggesting he may have been involved in the plot. People suspect Domitian’s wife Domitia was an accomplice, but Jones is doubtful. Though she may have heard rumblings about a plot, she still referred to herself as “Domitian’s wife” 25 years after his death.
In comparison to other emperors, Domitian appears much less extravagant. Yet he lacked personal charm that might have endeared him to others. He made no pretense, as others had, of being collegial in his rule. He put opponents to death, but not in any greater number than his predecessors had. Perhaps his aloofness made people wary of him. Never knowing what he might do next, his palace officials all feared for their lives and banded together to end his life before he ended theirs.
This book is loaded with information, names, and places. There are extensive notes at the back of the book. At times, the lists of senators or buildings becomes tedious. Jones also writes in a terse fashion. Additional details would be helpful, especially concerning the controversial incidents. A more readable biography may be available, but this was the best I could find.
This book is not for everyone. A background in Roman history is helpful. Even if Domitian did not persecute Christians to the degree people traditionally believed, it casts light on the time in which the Christian church was expanding and the apostle John lived. For those interested in biographies on the Roman emperors, this book offers a learned and concise presentation of one of the more controversial ones.
Rating: 2
