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Titus was a Roman emperor from 79 to 81 AD. On June 24, he succeeded his father, Vespasian as the emperor of the ancient Roman Empire. However, before coming to the rule, Titus was considered by many as an unpopular and hated person. However, after he became an emperor, everyone started to love him.
Early Life
Titus was born in Rome on December 30, 39 AD, during the reign of Caligula. He was talented and distinguished himself from early childhood. The family of the future emperor did not have any political success until the beginning of the reign of Emperor Claudius when Vespasian, Titus’s father, served prominently in the invasion of Britain. It allowed Titus to receive a court education, where he learned poetry in both Greek and Latin, how to compose Greek tragedies and play the harp. In addition, he was a very close friend of Britannicus, the son of Claudius. He was present at his death by poisoning, which Claudius’ wife, Agrippina, arranged. After the death of his friend, Titus built several statues in memory of Britannicus.
Career and Private Life
After completing his education, Titus served as a military tribune in Britain and Germany from 61 to 63 CE. After that, however, he left the military career and served as a barrister in the law courts because he liked pleading cases. At the same time, he married his first wife, Arrecina Tertulla, who died shortly afterward. His next wife was Marcia Furnilla. They had a daughter but soon were divorced because of political reasons; where Marcia’s family opposed Nero after the Piso Conspiracy in 65 AD. Titus would never again marry.
In 69 AD, Titus returned to the military and became a commander of the Fifteenth Legion. He was serving under his father in the Jewish War (66-73 AD). When Emperor Galba died, Titus was working on getting his father into power. Vespasian became an emperor in 69 AD, and Titus took control over the Roman forces in Judea.
Judaean Campaigns
Vespasian was popular with the army but hated by the Jewish people in Jerusalem as a commander. The reason is that under his rule, entire Jewish communities were murdered. During the two years when Jerusalem was besieged, its population suffered from starvation. Moreover, thousands of Jews, who tried to escape, were crucified, and their bodies were left on the streets as an example of punishment for the escape for those who remained behind the walls.
In September of 70 AD, the troops of Titus entered Jerusalem and seized the city. All the walls except one were destroyed
It served as a sign that no wall could defend the Roman army. Thus, this wall became the holiest location of Judea – the Wailing Wall.
Heir to Vespasian
Titus returned to Rome in 71 AD and was recognized as the heir apparent to Vespasian. He was his father’s main assistant, who dictated letters, drafted edicts, and sometimes delivered speeches to the Senate. Moreover, there were events when Titus served as consul. After the death of Galba, Vespasian named his son a praetorian commander.
Titus used his position to remove anyone who would act again his father
Emperor Titus
Right after the death of Vespasian in 79 AD, Titus succeeded his father as emperor. It became a surprise for everyone, but Titus changed a lot after coming to reign. Although his reign was short, he was considered a kindhearted emperor. Titus managed to finish several community projects as the Flavian Amphitheater and new imperial baths. Moreover, the emperor saw the beginning of the construction of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus.
Even though his reign was marked by a relative absence of military and political conflicts, there were several disasters during his brief leadership. On October 24 in, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted and almost destroyed the cities and resort communities around Naples. The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried under stones and lava. Titus made all efforts to help the victims of the volcano and donated large amounts of money from the imperial treasury. The emperor visited Pompeii right after the tragedy happened.
Construction of the Colosseum
Construction of the Flavian Amphitheater, also known as the Colosseum, was begun in 70 AD under Vespasian and completed in 80 AD under Titus. Right after completing the famous amphitheater, there were 100 days of celebration that provided spectacular entertainment to the Roman populace. The Colosseum was also meant to serve as the triumphal monument to commemorate the military achievements of the Flavians during the Jewish wars.
The inaugural games included gladiator battles, fights between wild animals such as elephants and tigers, mock naval battles, horse races, and chariot races. Many animals, slaves, and prisoners died during that one hundred days. Moreover, during the games, wooden balls were dropped into the audience, where various prized were inscribed (gold, clothing, or even slaves).
Interesting Facts about Titus
- Despite initial unpopularity, Titus rose above public opinion and defied expectations upon assuming power. His reign marked a transformation as he became a revered and respected emperor, known for his empathy and integrity, winning the hearts of Romans.
- Historians attest to a profound change in Titus’s character upon ascending to the throne. Renowned for his kindheartedness and honesty, he brought a compassionate and just approach to governance, earning him a place among the great leaders of Ancient Rome.
- As a representative of the esteemed Flavian dynasty, Titus upheld the family’s legacy of military prowess and political stability. His reign continued the dynasty’s rule, building upon the foundations laid by his father, Vespasian, and establishing a lasting impact on Roman history.
- The grandeur of the Colosseum, Rome’s iconic amphitheater, reached completion under Titus’s rule. This architectural marvel stood as a testament to his patronage of entertainment and the arts, solidifying his reputation as a leader who fostered cultural achievements.
- In September of 70 AD, Titus’s forces triumphantly entered Jerusalem, capturing the city. The conquest led to the destruction of Jerusalem’s walls, except for the poignant and globally recognizable remnant known today as the Wailing Wall, a symbol of the city’s rich historical and religious significance.
- Britannicus, son of Emperor Claudius, shared a deep childhood friendship with Titus. Their bond, forged during their formative years, reflected the intricate dynamics of Roman politics and highlighted the enduring personal connections within the imperial circles.
- After the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, Titus promptly visited Pompeii. Witnessing the tragedy firsthand, he demonstrated compassion by donating funds from the imperial treasury to aid the victims and support the reconstruction efforts of the afflicted city.
- Displaying benevolence in the face of natural disaster, Titus generously contributed from the imperial treasury to assist the victims of the volcanic eruption. His financial support helped alleviate suffering and contributed to the recovery of the affected areas.
- The Arch of Titus, located in Rome’s Via Sacra of the Roman Forum, stands as a testament to the emperor’s victories. This monumental arch commemorates his military achievements, immortalizing his conquests and ensuring his legacy endures through the ages.
- Tragically, Emperor Titus met his demise due to a fever, leaving Rome bereft of a beloved leader. His untimely death marked the end of a remarkable era, with his reign characterized by compassion, integrity, and a commitment to the welfare of his people.
Read also: How Old is Rome.
Death of Titus
At the closing of the games, Titus officially dedicated the Flavian amphitheater and the baths. Then, the emperor set out for the Sabine territories but fell ill and died of a fever in the same farmhouse as his father, Vespasian. His last words were: “I have made but one mistake.”
Titus was an emperor for just over two years and became succeeded by Domitian, his brother
