Vespasian's death in 79 CE marked the start of Titus’s reign as emperor. Titus was a popular and capable leader, but his reign was cut short when he died suddenly in 81 CE, possibly due to natural causes or poisoning. Titus’s death created a sudden power vacuum in the Roman Empire, which set the stage for Domitian’s rise to the throne.

Though Domitian was not initially expected to inherit the throne, as Titus had no male heirs, his status as the younger brother of the emperor made him the logical successor. Domitian's ascent was further facilitated by the fact that he had already established himself as a key political and military figure.

Domitian’s Path to Power

Domitian’s rise to power was marked by political maneuvering and an awareness of the delicate balance of power in Rome. He faced no serious opposition to his succession, as many of the elite and military factions in Rome were loyal to the Flavian dynasty, which had brought stability after the chaos of the civil wars.

Upon Titus’s death, Domitian was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard, the elite military force responsible for guarding the emperor. This declaration marked Domitian’s official ascension to the throne in 81 CE. While Titus’s death had been a shock, the smooth transition to Domitian’s rule can also be attributed to the stability brought by his father, Vespasian, and the widespread support for the Flavian family. shutdown123