Image Gallery
Domitian (Artistic Facial Reconstruction)
Domitian (r. 81-96 CE) was the last emperor in the Flavian Dynasty. He became emperor after his brother Titus (r. 79-81 CE) died suddenly of natural causes, although poisoning by Domitian was also rumoured. He built numerous public works and monuments and oversaw the completion of the Colosseum (construction was begun in 72 CE during the reign of Vespasian and continued under Titus). His military record was mixed, resulting in a truce with the Kingdom of Dacia and Roman expansion into Britain. Domitian exercised more absolute power than his predecessors ever had, further diminishing what little power the Roman Senate had left. In later years, he became increasingly paranoid of conspirators until his assassination in 96 CE.
Pictured alongside the reconstruction are the artworks and statuary used as references. From left to right and top to bottom, these are the Vatican bust; Altes Museum Berlin bust; National Archaeological Museum of Venice bust; and the Louvre bust.
Bibliography
- Appearance of The Principate [Pt. II], accessed 18 Nov 2020.
- Appearance of The Principate [Pt. I], accessed 18 Nov 2020.