Domitian

Also known as: Caesar Domitian · Family: Flavian · Role: nephew of Flavius Sabinus · First appears: Histories III.57-60

During the Flavian struggle, Antonius Primus arranged escape facilities and sought an interview and safe conduct for Domitian and Flavius Sabinus. When Sabinus was besieged, he summoned his children and nephew at night and sent a courier for rescue; when the enemy broke in, Domitian escaped disguised among worshippers, took refuge near the Velabrum with Cornelius Primus, and later emerged to be hailed as Caesar and escorted to his father’s house. When his father came to the throne, he commemorated this escape by building a chapel to Jupiter the Saviour.

At Rome, Domitian succeeded Julius Frontinus as praetor, while Mucianus held the real authority despite Domitian’s repeated assertions of independence. He proposed restoring Galba’s honours, cancelling the consulships granted by Vitellius, and giving Flavius Sabinus a state funeral. He was friendly with Arrecinus Clemens and inclined to support Arrius Varus, while Antonius Primus was kept off his staff. With Titus, he stood in a brotherly relationship described by the warning that “Nor again are brothers likely to remain good friends unless their father sets them an example.”

As the war ended, Mucianus urged Domitian to remain at Lugdunum rather than obstruct the victorious generals. Domitian tested Petilius Cerialis, whose army and allegiance he hoped might transfer to him, but Cerialis rejected the proposal; Domitian then abandoned the governmental functions he had performed and withdrew from rivalry with his brother. During this period, Valentinus was condemned to death, while Domitian’s association with Mucianus continued to shape his position.

Later, Agricola reported his military achievements to Domitian, who secured him triumphal ornaments and a laurel-crowned statue, even as the report brought Domitian both public praise and private anguish. Agricola was repeatedly accused before him and acquitted in his absence; Domitian later excused him from the proconsulship but withheld its customary salary. In A.D. 93, Agricola’s will left Domitian joint heir, which “rejoiced him” when he read it; the earlier example of Civica’s murder also stood in the background of their relationship.