The Early Years of Domitian’s Reign
Domitian ascended to the throne following the unexpected death of his brother, Titus, in 81 CE. Unlike Titus, who had been popular and widely respected, Domitian was initially met with skepticism. Titus had been seen as a beloved and competent ruler, and Domitian’s autocratic and ambitious nature made him a stark contrast. Nevertheless, Domitian inherited a stable empire, and his reign began with a degree of popularity. He was seen as a responsible ruler during the early years of his rule, and he worked to stabilize the empire after the tumultuous reigns of emperors prior to him.
Domitian inherited a vast empire with substantial military and economic resources, which allowed him to pursue a number of reforms during the early stages of his reign. He made efforts to reduce the financial instability caused by his predecessors and implemented a range of public works, including infrastructure projects, the renovation of the imperial palace, and the expansion of Rome's road system. Domitian’s early years were characterized by stability and growth, and he was even praised for his administrative skills. shutdown123