Domitian, last Flavian emperor (81–96 apr. J.-C.), ruled Rome with autocracy and reform. His reign combined military successes, administrative discipline, and cultural patronage amid senatorial opposition. This article examines his complex legacy, debating whether he was a tyrant or a pragmatic ruler who stabilized the empire during turbulent times.
Caligula opened with popular reforms—amnesties, tax relief, transparency—but after a severe illness turned to theatrical provocations, fiscal exactions, and ritual self‑cult, alienating elites and Praetorians and prompting his assassination: coercive strategy over madness.
From Augustus to Constantine, the Praetorian Guard evolved from imperial protectors into kingmakers—policing Rome and wielding military force to decide succession.
Julius Caesar: military genius, politician, and reformer whose Rubicon, affair with Cleopatra, and assassination on the Ides of March reshaped Rome and Western history.
Explore the pivotal role of the Vestal Virgins in ancient Rome, from maintaining the sacred flame at the Temple of Vesta to their influence on religion and politics. Discover how these priestesses embodied purity and ensured divine favor for the city's prosperity.
The Roman Senate stands as a cornerstone of ancient Rome's political framework, its roots extending deep into the city's storied past. Initially established as an advisory council to the kings, the Senate played a pivotal role in shaping governance and policy.
