The life of Titus
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Early Life
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Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus, more commonly known as Titus, was born on the 30th December, 39 AD. He was born to Titus Flavius Vespasianus, who would one day be Emperor of Rome, and Domitilla. Titus was the oldest of Vespasian and Domitilla's three children - the other two being Domitian and Domitilla the Younger. Rome's nobility had been destroyed during the many civil wars that took place in the late years of the Roman Republic, allowing a new aristocracy to emerge in the ashes of the old. It was during this time that the Flavian dynasty rose to prominence, accumulating large amounts of wealth and reputation under the rule of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Titus Flavius Petro, the great-grandfather of Titus, had served under Pompey the Great during Caesar's civil war. Petro married a woman who was from a prominent family with a great deal of wealth, further enhancing the Flavian family status. Titus's grandfather, Titus Flavius Sabinus, had earned himself equestrian status thanks to his tax collecting in Asia. Sabinus, like his father, married into an even more prestigious family. Due to the success of the Flavian dynasty Vespasian and his brother attained the senatorial rank. Thanks to his family's hard work and fortune, Titus now had a significant head start in life which would only be furthered when his father became Emperor of Rome.
Titus had an extensive military career that started at a young age. Between 61-63 AD he served in Germania as a military tribune and then in Britannia where he likely came as part of reinforcements against Boudica's revolt. Titus returned to Rome after his campaigning to marry Arrecina Tertulla who was the daughter of a former Praetorian Prefect, however she died shortly after their marriage around 65 AD. Titus soon remarried to Marcia Furnilla, a woman from extensive pedigree who had links to those who had opposed Emperor Nero. It was due to these connections that Titus eventually divorced Furnilla in order to distance himself from the conspirators. Titus would not remarry after his divorce from Furnilla and all but one of his children from his marriages died before reaching adulthood. Around this time Titus begun to practice law and attained the rank of quaestor. |
Bust of Titus. By Unknown - User:Bibi Saint-Pol, own work, 2007-02-08, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1888196
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Jewish Rebellion
Titus would soon be called back to war to aid his father in quelling the Jewish revolt in Judaea. Emperor Nero had appointed Vespasian as the chief commander tasked with ending the rebellion. Vespasian took the Fifth and Tenth legions with him and was later joined by Titus at Potelmais who had another legion, the Fifteenth, under his control. Vespasian and Titus' combined forces amounted to roughly 60,000 soldiers in total. The Jews initially had the upper hand, defeating Cestius Gallus, who was serving as the legate of Syria. However Vespasian and Titus were now poised to march on Jerusalem. The historian Josephus was the commander of the Yodfat which Vespasian and Titus besieged for 47 days, resulting in a hefty death toll. Josephus eventually surrendered to Vespasian as a prisoner. Josephus would later join the Roman's and become a chief advisor to Vespasian during his reign as emperor. He also wrote a number of works on the Jewish revolt, namely The Wars of the Jews. In his works he wrote that he provided Vespasian and Titus with vital intelligence that helped the two sweep across the entirety of the coast and northern Judaea. Titus proved himself as a competent and capable commander here, winning crucial battles at Taricheae and Gamala.
While Titus and his father had been in the east, Rome had been wracked by chaos and civil war culminating in the Year of the Four Emperors. Vespasian's campaign had come to an end early when he heard of Nero's death. When Galba was appointed as the new Emperor of Rome Vespasian was unsure of how to react, so he instead waited for instructions while simultaneously sending Titus to Rome to meet the new emperor. However, before Titus could ever meet with Galba he learned of the Emperor's assassination and decided to return to his father. Otho had now replaced Galba as emperor, but Rome was still far from stable as Vitellius, commander of the armies in Germania, was now preparing to march on the city. Otho was defeated by Vitellius at the First Battle of Bedriacum and later committed suicide to spare his soldiers from further conflict.
In response to the turmoil engulfing Rome, Vespasian was declared emperor by his legions in the east. Titus and Gaius Licinius Mucianus, the governor of Syria, both joined Vespasian in his bid for the throne. Titus was left to crush what remained of the Jewish revolt while Vespasian and Mucianus left to battle Vitellius in the west. Vespasian rushed to Alexandria to cut off the grain supply to Rome while Mucianus marched on Rome with legions from Judaea and Syria. Mucianus successfully defeated the forces of Vitellius by the end of 69 AD, allowing Vespasian to leave Alexandria for Rome where the senate officially declared him Emperor of Rome and bringing an end to the Year of the Four Emperors.
Titus was still in the east in 70 AD whereby now the Jewish rebellion had splintered into more factions, both warring with Rome and each other. Vespasian sent Tiberius Julius Alexander, the governor of Egypt, to aid Titus. Together they surrounded Jerusalem and attempted to starve out the city by cutting off supply lines. Josephus tried to negotiate with the rebels but ultimately failed. Titus, growing impatient, attacked the city and breached the first two layers of wall protecting the city. Eventually Titus breached the third and final wall where his forces engaged with the exhausted and malnourished rebels, ending the rebellion. Titus had much of the city's population put to death, and the rest enslaved. Josephus estimates over one million people died during the siege of Jerusalem, most of whom were Jewish. He also had the Temple of Jerusalem demolished with the exception of the Wailing Wall, intent on ending the Jewish religion.
In Rome Titus's victory was celebrated with the Arch of Titus which served as an entrance to the Forum and still stands today. The wealth taken from Jerusalem, including the Trumpets of Jericho, was put on display. This wealth would also help to fund the Colosseum which begun construction under Vespasian's reign. Titus returned to Rome in 71 AD where he was awarded a triumph. He paraded through the city, accompanied by his father and brother where slaves and treasures were displayed to the public. Titus and Domitian were also bestowed with the title of Caesar by the Senate. Titus served as consul seven times during the reign of his father and was appointed Praetorian Prefect to ensure the military stayed loyal to Vespasian while also purging anyone who posed a threat to his reign. Titus would also appear on behalf of Vespasian in the Senate. Titus' powers gradually increased throughout Vespasian's reign. In 71 AD tribunician powers were bestowed upon Titus, and he would later serve as censor alongside his father in 73 AD. It was clear to all that Titus was being prepared as the successor to Vespasian by giving him increased responsibility and exposing him to the world of politics and rule.
While Titus and his father had been in the east, Rome had been wracked by chaos and civil war culminating in the Year of the Four Emperors. Vespasian's campaign had come to an end early when he heard of Nero's death. When Galba was appointed as the new Emperor of Rome Vespasian was unsure of how to react, so he instead waited for instructions while simultaneously sending Titus to Rome to meet the new emperor. However, before Titus could ever meet with Galba he learned of the Emperor's assassination and decided to return to his father. Otho had now replaced Galba as emperor, but Rome was still far from stable as Vitellius, commander of the armies in Germania, was now preparing to march on the city. Otho was defeated by Vitellius at the First Battle of Bedriacum and later committed suicide to spare his soldiers from further conflict.
In response to the turmoil engulfing Rome, Vespasian was declared emperor by his legions in the east. Titus and Gaius Licinius Mucianus, the governor of Syria, both joined Vespasian in his bid for the throne. Titus was left to crush what remained of the Jewish revolt while Vespasian and Mucianus left to battle Vitellius in the west. Vespasian rushed to Alexandria to cut off the grain supply to Rome while Mucianus marched on Rome with legions from Judaea and Syria. Mucianus successfully defeated the forces of Vitellius by the end of 69 AD, allowing Vespasian to leave Alexandria for Rome where the senate officially declared him Emperor of Rome and bringing an end to the Year of the Four Emperors.
Titus was still in the east in 70 AD whereby now the Jewish rebellion had splintered into more factions, both warring with Rome and each other. Vespasian sent Tiberius Julius Alexander, the governor of Egypt, to aid Titus. Together they surrounded Jerusalem and attempted to starve out the city by cutting off supply lines. Josephus tried to negotiate with the rebels but ultimately failed. Titus, growing impatient, attacked the city and breached the first two layers of wall protecting the city. Eventually Titus breached the third and final wall where his forces engaged with the exhausted and malnourished rebels, ending the rebellion. Titus had much of the city's population put to death, and the rest enslaved. Josephus estimates over one million people died during the siege of Jerusalem, most of whom were Jewish. He also had the Temple of Jerusalem demolished with the exception of the Wailing Wall, intent on ending the Jewish religion.
In Rome Titus's victory was celebrated with the Arch of Titus which served as an entrance to the Forum and still stands today. The wealth taken from Jerusalem, including the Trumpets of Jericho, was put on display. This wealth would also help to fund the Colosseum which begun construction under Vespasian's reign. Titus returned to Rome in 71 AD where he was awarded a triumph. He paraded through the city, accompanied by his father and brother where slaves and treasures were displayed to the public. Titus and Domitian were also bestowed with the title of Caesar by the Senate. Titus served as consul seven times during the reign of his father and was appointed Praetorian Prefect to ensure the military stayed loyal to Vespasian while also purging anyone who posed a threat to his reign. Titus would also appear on behalf of Vespasian in the Senate. Titus' powers gradually increased throughout Vespasian's reign. In 71 AD tribunician powers were bestowed upon Titus, and he would later serve as censor alongside his father in 73 AD. It was clear to all that Titus was being prepared as the successor to Vespasian by giving him increased responsibility and exposing him to the world of politics and rule.
The Destruction of Jerusalem. By Nicolas Poussin - Kunsthistorisches Museum Wien, Bilddatenbank., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5249604
Early Reign
Vespasian died on the 23rd June 79 AD and was succeeded by Titus. The transition of power had been planned carefully and was a peaceful process. Many in Rome feared Titus would become like Nero due to his vices, however this would never come to pass and Titus was favoured by the people of the empire. This was in part due to the fact that Titus had known he was not popular and begun a lengthy campaign to change public opinion of himself. After becoming emperor Titus immediately put an end to trials based on treason charges. For a long time people had been executed for libel and insults against the emperor. This had removed the original purpose which was to prosecute those who had 'impaired the people and majesty of Rome'. However, after introducing reforms, no senators were put to death during the reign of Titus. He further prevented abuses by making it unlawful for a person to be tried under different laws for the same offence. Under the reign of Vespasian there had been a vast network of spies who were relied heavily upon for intelligence, however they also roused suspicion amongst the populace of Rome. Titus decided to reduce the number of spies in the network to eliminate further fears.
Soon after becoming emperor Titus officially opened the Colosseum, which had been started in 70 AD by his father. The opening ceremony lasted for over 100 days where the people of Rome were entertained by spectacular, elaborate events. The event included gladiatorial games, wild and exotic animals and naval battles where the arena was flooded in order to accommodate ships. During the various celebrations wooden balls would be thrown into the audience and depending on the balls inscription, the person who caught the ball could trade it in for prizes such as gold or slaves. The Colosseum itself was not only for celebrations and entertainment though, it also stood as a monument to the Flavian Dynasty's victory in the Jewish Wars. In addition to the Colosseum Titus also constructed the Baths of Titus which were quickly built so that they could be opened alongside the Colosseum. Lastly, Titus gave the command for the construction of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus in order to solidify the Flavian Dynasty in Rome's history. However this building would not be finished until the reign of Domitian.
Soon after becoming emperor Titus officially opened the Colosseum, which had been started in 70 AD by his father. The opening ceremony lasted for over 100 days where the people of Rome were entertained by spectacular, elaborate events. The event included gladiatorial games, wild and exotic animals and naval battles where the arena was flooded in order to accommodate ships. During the various celebrations wooden balls would be thrown into the audience and depending on the balls inscription, the person who caught the ball could trade it in for prizes such as gold or slaves. The Colosseum itself was not only for celebrations and entertainment though, it also stood as a monument to the Flavian Dynasty's victory in the Jewish Wars. In addition to the Colosseum Titus also constructed the Baths of Titus which were quickly built so that they could be opened alongside the Colosseum. Lastly, Titus gave the command for the construction of the Temple of Vespasian and Titus in order to solidify the Flavian Dynasty in Rome's history. However this building would not be finished until the reign of Domitian.
A coin bearing the image of Titus during his reign. By Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. http://www.cngcoins.com, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2334471
Eruption of Vesuvius
Titus' luck as emperor would not last forever. Early into his reign Mount Vesuvius erupted wiping out the populations of Pompeii and Herculaneum as well as many other resorts and towns around the Bay of Naples. Shortly after the eruption Pompeii and Herculaneum were flooded in a sea of lava and ash, while molten debris bombarded the cities like small meteors resulting in the deaths of thousands. Many tried to escape via the city's ports where the Roman military were stationed. Pliny the Younger was nearby at the time and recorded an account of the event:
'To us at a distance, it was not clear which mountain was belching out the cloud, but it was later discovered to be Vesuvius. In form and shape the column of smoke was like a tremendous pine tree, for at the top of its great height it branched out into several skeins. I assume that a sudden burst of wind had carried it upwards and then dropped, leaving it motionless, and that its own weight then spread it outwards. It was sometimes white, sometimes heavy and mottled, as it would be if it had lifted up amounts of earth and ashes.'
Titus declared a state of emergency and immediately set about starting a relief fund to rehouse those who had lost their homes and to also provide food and medicine to those injured in the disaster. Titus used the imperial treasury in order to fund the relief effort as well as the wealth from those who had died in the disaster but had no heirs or family to inherit. While Titus did everything he could do to help those affected by the eruption of Vesuvius it would cast a shadow over the rest of his reign. Some believed that the eruption was divine revenge for the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem.
Titus' problems would continue however as while he was away visiting Pompeii following the eruption, Rome would be engulfed in flame for 3 days. While not as damaging as the fire during Nero's reign it still claimed many public buildings such as Agrippa's Pantheon, the Temple of Jupiter and heavily damaged parts of the Theatre of Pompey. Titus once again started a relief effort to help those who had been affected by the fire. Not long after the fire in Rome, a plague swept across the city. Titus once again issued a relief effort to help the people stricken with illness and disease, but it was not enough, he also tried to appease the gods by performing sacrifices, to no avail. The unfortunate series of events did not bode well for Titus' reign and took a heavy toll on Titus himself.
'To us at a distance, it was not clear which mountain was belching out the cloud, but it was later discovered to be Vesuvius. In form and shape the column of smoke was like a tremendous pine tree, for at the top of its great height it branched out into several skeins. I assume that a sudden burst of wind had carried it upwards and then dropped, leaving it motionless, and that its own weight then spread it outwards. It was sometimes white, sometimes heavy and mottled, as it would be if it had lifted up amounts of earth and ashes.'
Titus declared a state of emergency and immediately set about starting a relief fund to rehouse those who had lost their homes and to also provide food and medicine to those injured in the disaster. Titus used the imperial treasury in order to fund the relief effort as well as the wealth from those who had died in the disaster but had no heirs or family to inherit. While Titus did everything he could do to help those affected by the eruption of Vesuvius it would cast a shadow over the rest of his reign. Some believed that the eruption was divine revenge for the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem.
Titus' problems would continue however as while he was away visiting Pompeii following the eruption, Rome would be engulfed in flame for 3 days. While not as damaging as the fire during Nero's reign it still claimed many public buildings such as Agrippa's Pantheon, the Temple of Jupiter and heavily damaged parts of the Theatre of Pompey. Titus once again started a relief effort to help those who had been affected by the fire. Not long after the fire in Rome, a plague swept across the city. Titus once again issued a relief effort to help the people stricken with illness and disease, but it was not enough, he also tried to appease the gods by performing sacrifices, to no avail. The unfortunate series of events did not bode well for Titus' reign and took a heavy toll on Titus himself.
Death & Legacy
After the chaos of the last two years and the closing of the celebratory Colosseum games, Titus journeyed to the Sabine territories of the Roman Empire. He soon fell ill and died of a fever on the 13th September 81 AD, just over two years since his father died and his reign begun. Titus' last words were supposedly "I have made but one mistake". These last words have attracted much speculation as to what they meant. Many historians imply that Domitian had a part to play in Titus' death. Suetonius and Cassius Dio say Titus died of natural causes but was left to die by Domitian. Dio also states that the mistake in Titus' last words refers to not stopping Domitian despite having knowledge that he was plotting against him.
Titus became a beloved emperor of Rome, despite the catastrophes that marked his reign. He was instead remembered for his kindness, compassion, and generosity while helping the people of the empire through dark times. Titus was succeeded by his brother Domitian who immediately deified Titus.
Titus became a beloved emperor of Rome, despite the catastrophes that marked his reign. He was instead remembered for his kindness, compassion, and generosity while helping the people of the empire through dark times. Titus was succeeded by his brother Domitian who immediately deified Titus.
Quotes by Titus
"It is impossible for me to be insulted or abused in any way. For I do nought that deserves censure, and I care not for what is reported falsely. As for the emperors who are dead and gone, they will avenge themselves in case anyone does them a wrong, if in very truth they are demigods and possess any power" - After introducing reforms to treason prosecution.
"I have made but one mistake" - Last words
"I have made but one mistake" - Last words
Trivia
- Titus was the second emperor in the Flavian dynasty.
- While Vespasian begun the construction of the Colosseum in Rome, it was not actually finished until the reign of Titus.
- Titus was the first Roman Emperor to have succeeded a non-adoptive father.
- Titus was known for his ruthlessness against potential enemies of his father, executing them on the spot if he deemed it necessary.
- On the last day of the celebratory games marking the opening of the Flavian Amphitheatre, more commonly known as the Colosseum, it was said that Titus broke down and wept in public.