Domitian

Domitian (24 October 51 - 18 September 96) was a Roman emperor who reigned from 81 to 96. The son of Vespasian and the younger brother of Titus his two predecessors on the throne he was the last member of the Flavian dynasty. Described as a ruthless but efficient autocrat[6] his authoritarian style of ruling put him at sharp odds with the Senate whose powers he drastically curtailed.Domitian had a minor and largely ceremonial role during the reigns of his father and brother. After the death of his brother Domitian was declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard. His 15-year reign was the longest since that of Tiberius.[b] As emperor Domitian strengthened the economy by revaluing the Roman coinage expanded the border defenses of the empire and initiated a massive building program to restore the damaged city of Rome. Significant wars were fought in Britain where his general Agricola attempted to conquer Caledonia (Scotland) and in Dacia where Domitian was unable to procure a decisive victory against King Decebalus. Domitian's government exhibited strong authoritarian characteristics. Religious military and cultural propaganda fostered a cult of personality and by nominating himself perpetual censor he sought to control public and private morals.