When was Titus born and where did he enter the world?
Titus Flavius Vespasianus entered the world on the 30th of December 39 AD in Rome. His family name was Flavia, a gens that rose from obscurity to imperial power within four generations.
Questions about Titus
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What role did Titus play during the Jewish revolt against the Roman Empire?
Titus served as a military commander who surrounded Jerusalem with three legions on the western side and one legion on the Mount of Olives to the east. He breached the city walls and ordered the destruction of the Second Temple after the Romans captured the Antonia Fortress.
How long did Titus reign as Roman emperor before his death?
Titus succeeded his father Vespasian immediately upon his death on the 23rd of June 79 AD and reigned until he died of a fever on the 13th of September 81 AD. He became the first Roman emperor ever to succeed his biological father.
Which cities were destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius under Titus's rule?
Mount Vesuvius erupted a few months after Titus accession and almost completely destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum which were buried under metres of stone and ash. Estimates suggest between 10,000 and 25,000 people lived in Pompeii at the time of the disaster.
Why is Titus considered an exemplary figure among ancient historians compared to Domitian?
Titus ended treason trials that had plagued the principate since Augustus revived the law of majestas and no senators were put to death during his reign. His character has especially prospered in comparison with that of his brother Domitian despite Jewish memory remembering him as Titus the Wicked.