Did Domitian Kill Titus? Unraveling the Mystery of the Death of the Roman Emperor

The question of whether Domitian, the Roman Emperor who succeeded his brother Titus, was responsible for the death of Titus has intrigued historians for centuries. While there is no definitive evidence to prove that Domitian directly caused Titus’s death, rumors and suspicions surrounding the event have persisted, and various ancient sources present differing accounts. This article explores the details of Titus’s death, the circumstances surrounding his reign, and the theories suggesting Domitian’s involvement.

The Death of Titus: Official Accounts

Titus, the eldest son of Emperor Vespasian, ascended to the throne in 79 CE after his father’s death. His reign, though short, was generally well-regarded. However, in 81 CE, just two years after he became emperor, Titus died unexpectedly. The ancient historian Suetonius, in his Life of Titus, states that Titus died of a fever, likely caused by a sudden illness. The death occurred while Titus was still young, in his early 40s, and at the peak of his reign.

Some ancient sources, however, cast doubt on the official explanation of illness, suggesting that Titus’s death could have been a result of foul play. A few of these sources imply that Domitian, Titus’s younger brother and future emperor, might have been involved in a conspiracy to assassinate him. shutdown123