Titus
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{{Infobox Roman emperor
| name = Titus
| title = [[Roman emperor|Emperor]] of the [[Roman Empire]]
| full name = Titus Flavius Vespasianus<br>
| image = [[Image:Titus draped bust cropped.png|270px]]
| caption = Bust of Emperor Titus
| reign = [[24 June]], [[79]] – <br>[[13 September]], [[81]]
| predecessor = [[Vespasian]]
| successor = [[Domitian]]
| spouse = [[Arrecina Tertulla]] (about 62)
| spouse 2 = [[Marcia Furnilla]] (64)
| issue = [[Julia Flavia]]
| dynasty = [[Flavian dynasty]]
| father = [[Vespasian]]
| mother = [[Domitilla the Elder|Domitilla]]
| date of birth = {{birth date|39|12|30|df=y}}
| place of birth = Rome
| date of death = {{death date and age|81|9|13|39|12|30|df=y}}
| place of death = Rome
| place of burial = Rome
|}}
'''Titus Flavius Vespasianus''', commonly known as '''Titus''' ([[December 30]] [[39]] – [[September 13]] [[81]]), was a [[Roman Emperor]] who briefly reigned from [[79]] until his death in [[81]]. Titus was the second emperor of the [[Flavian dynasty]], which ruled the [[Roman Empire]] between [[69]] and [[96]], encompassing the reigns of Titus's father [[Vespasian]] (69–79), Titus himself (79–81) and his younger brother [[Domitian]] (81–96).
Prior to becoming emperor, Titus gained renown as a military commander, serving under his father in [[Iudaea Province|Judaea]] during the [[First Jewish-Roman War]], which was fought between [[67]] and [[70]]. The campaign came to a brief halt with the death of emperor [[Nero]] on [[June 9]] [[68]], launching Vespasian's bid for the imperial power during the [[Year of the Four Emperors]]. When Vespasian was declared emperor on [[July 1]] [[69]], Titus was left in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion, which he did in [[70]], successfully [[Siege of Jerusalem (70)|besieging]] and destroying the city and the [[Second Temple|Temple]] of [[Jerusalem]]. For this achievement Titus was awarded a [[Roman Triumph|triumph]]; the [[Arch of Titus]] commemorates his victory to this day.
Under the rule of his father, Titus gained infamy in Rome serving as [[Praetorian prefect|prefect]] of the Roman imperial [[bodyguard]], known as the [[Praetorian Guard]], and for carrying on a controversial relationship with the Jewish queen [[Berenice (daughter of Agrippa I)|Berenice]]. Despite concerns over his character, however, Titus ruled to great acclaim following the death of Vespasian on [[June 23]] [[79]], and was considered a good emperor by [[Suetonius]] and other contemporary historians. In this role he is best known for his public building program in Rome—completing the [[Flavian Amphitheatre]], otherwise known as the Colosseum— and for his generosity in relieving the suffering caused by two disasters, the [[Mount Vesuvius#Eruption of 79|Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79]] and the fire of Rome of [[80]]. After barely two years in office, Titus died of a [[fever]] on [[September 13]] [[81]]. He was [[apotheosis|deified]] by the [[Roman Senate]] and succeeded by his younger brother [[Domitian]].
== Early life ==
{{Flavian dynasty}}
Titus was born in [[Rome]], probably on [[30 December]] [[39|39]], as the eldest son of [[Vespasian|Titus Flavius Vespasianus]]—commonly known as Vespasian—and [[Domitilla the Elder]].<ref>Suetonius claims Titus was born in the year Caligula was assassinated, 41. However, this contradicts his statement that Titus died in his 42nd year, as well as Cassius Dio, who notes that Titus was 39 at the time of his accession. See [[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#1 1], [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#11 11]; Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#18 LXVI.18]; and {{cite book |author=Brian Jones |coauthors=and Robert Milns |title=Suetonius: The Flavian Emperors: A Historical Commentary |year=2002 |publisher=Bristol Classical Press |location=London |isbn=1-85399-613-0 |pages=p. 91 }}</ref> He had one older sister, [[Domitilla the Younger]] (b. 39), and one younger brother, also named [[Domitian|Titus Flavius Domitianus]] (b. 51), but commonly referred to as Domitian.
Decades of civil war during the [[1st century BC]] had contributed greatly to the demise of the old artistocracy of Rome, which was gradually replaced in prominence by a new provincial nobility during the early part of the [[1st century|1st century]].<ref name="jones-domitian-3">Jones (1992), p. 3</ref> One such family was the ''gens [[Flavius|Flavia]]'', which rose from relative obscurity to prominence in just four generations, acquiring wealth and status under the emperors of the [[Julio-Claudian dynasty]]. Titus's great-grandfather, [[Titus Flavius Petro]], had served as a [[centurion]] under [[Pompey]] during [[Caesar's civil war]]. His military career ended in disgrace when he fled the battlefield at the [[Battle of Pharsalus]] in [[48 BC]].<ref name="jones-domitian-1">Jones (1992), p. 1</ref> Nevertheless, Petro managed to improve his status by marrying the extremely wealthy Tertulla, whose fortune guaranteed the upwards mobility of Petro's son [[Titus Flavius Sabinus (father of Vespasian)|Titus Flavius Sabinus I]], Titus's grandfather.<ref name="jones-domitian-2">Jones (1992), p. 2</ref> Sabinus himself amassed further wealth and possible [[equestrian (Roman)|equestrian]] status through his services as [[tax collector]] in Asia and banker in [[Helvetia]]. By marrying [[Vespasia Polla]] he allied himself to the more prestigious [[patrician]] ''gens Vespasia'', ensuring the elevation of his sons [[Titus Flavius Sabinus (consul 47)|Titus Flavius Sabinus II]] and [[Vespasian]] to the [[Roman senator|senatorial]] rank.<ref name="jones-domitian-2"/>
The [[cursus honorum|political career]] of Vespasian included the offices of [[quaestor]], [[aedile]] and [[praetor]], and culminated with a [[Roman consul|consulship]] in [[51]], the year Domitian was born. As a military commander, he gained early renown by participating in the [[Roman invasion of Britain]] in [[43]].<ref>Jones (1992), p. 8</ref> What little is known of Titus's early life has been handed down to us by [[Suetonius]], who records that he was brought up at the imperial court in the company of [[Britannicus]],<ref name="suetonius-titus-2">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#1 2]</ref> the son of emperor [[Claudius]], who would be murdered by [[Nero]] in [[55]]. The story was even told that Titus was reclining next to Britannicus, the night he was murdered, and sipped of the [[poison]] that was handed to him.<ref name="suetonius-titus-2"/> Further details on his education are scarce, but it seems he showed early promise in the [[military science|military arts]] and was a skilled poet and orator both in [[Koine Greek|Greek]] and [[Latin]].<ref>[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#3 3]</ref>
== Military career ==
From ''c.'' [[57]] to [[59]] he was a military [[tribune]] in [[Germania]]. He also served in [[Roman Britain|Britannia]], perhaps arriving ''c.'' [[60]] with reinforcements needed after the revolt of [[Boudica]]. In ''c.'' [[63]] he returned to Rome and married Arrecina Tertulla, daughter of a former [[Praetorian prefect|Prefect of the Praetorian Guard]]. She died ''c.'' [[65]].<ref>[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#4 4], with Jones and Milns, p. 95–96</ref> Titus then took a new wife of a much more distinguished family, Marcia Furnilla. However, Marcia's family was closely linked to the opposition to [[Nero]]. Her uncle [[Barea Soranus]] and his daughter [[Servilia (1st century)|Servilia]] were among those who perished after the failed [[Pisonian conspiracy]] of [[65]].<ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Annals (Tacitus)|Annals]]'' [[wikisource:The Annals (Tacitus)/Book 16#30|XVI.30–33]]</ref> Some modern historians theorize that Titus divorced his wife because of her family's connection to the conspiracy.<ref>Gavin Townend, "Some Flavian Connections", ''The Journal of Roman Studies'' (1961), p 57. See [[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#4 4]</ref><ref>Jones (1992), p. 11</ref> He never re-married. Titus appears to have had multiple daughters,<ref>[[Philostratus]], ''The Life of Apollonius of Tyana'' [http://www.livius.org/ap-ark/apollonius/life/va_7_06.html#%A77 VII.7]</ref> at least one of them by Marcia Furnilla.<ref name="suetonius-titus-4">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#4 4]</ref> The only one known to have survived to adulthood was [[Julia Flavia]], perhaps Titus's child by Arrecina, whose mother was also named Julia.<ref>Jones and Milns, pp. 96, 167.</ref> During this period Titus also practiced law and attained the rank of [[quaestor]].<ref name="suetonius-titus-4"/>
=== Judaean campaigns ===
{{See|First Jewish-Roman War}}
[[Image:First century palestine.gif|thumb|180px|left|The [[Iudaea Province|province of Judaea]] during the [[1st Century]].]]
In [[66]] the Jews of the [[Iudaea Province|Judaea Province]] [[First Jewish-Roman War|revolted against the Roman Empire]]. [[Cestius Gallus]], the [[History of Syria#Syria in antiquity|legate of Syria]], was defeated at [[Battle of Beth Horon (66)|the battle of]] [[Beth-Horon]] and forced to retreat from [[Jerusalem]].<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book II#Chapter 19|II.19.9]]</ref> The pro-Roman king [[Agrippa II]] and his sister [[Berenice (daughter of Agrippa I)|Berenice]] fled the city to [[Galilee]] where they later gave themselves up to the Romans. Nero appointed Vespasian to put down the rebellion, who was dispatched to the region at once with the [[Legio V Macedonica|fifth]] and [[Legio X Fretensis|tenth legions]].<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book III#Chapter 1|III.1.2]]</ref> He was later joined by Titus at [[Acre, Israel|Ptolemais]], bringing with him the [[Legio XV Apollinaris|fifteenth legion]].<ref name="josephus-wars-iii-4-2">Josephus, ''The War of the Jews'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book III#Chapter 4|III.4.2]]</ref> With a strength of 60,000 professional soldiers, the Romans prepared to sweep across Galilee and march on Jerusalem.<ref name="josephus-wars-iii-4-2"/>
The history of the war was covered in dramatic detail by the Roman-Jewish historian [[Josephus]] in his work ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]''. Josephus served as a commander in the city of [[Jotapata]] when the Roman army invaded Galilee in [[67]]. After an exhausting siege which lasted 47 days, the city fell, with an estimated 40,000 killed and the remaining Jewish resistance committing [[suicide]].<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book III#Chapter 7|III.7.34]]</ref> Josephus himself surrendered to Vespasian, became a prisoner and provided the Romans with intelligence on the ongoing revolt.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book III#Chapter 8|III.8.8]]</ref> By [[68]], the entire coast and the north of Judaea were subjugated by the Roman army, with decisive victories won at [[Magdala|Taricheae]] and [[Gamla|Gamala]], where Titus distinguished himself as a skilled general.<ref name="suetonius-titus-4"/><ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book III#Chapter 10|III.10]]</ref>
==== Year of the Four Emperors ====
[[Image:Roman Empire 69AD.PNG|thumb|280px|right|Map of the Roman Empire during the [[Year of the Four Emperors]] (69 AD). Blue areas indicate provinces loyal to Vespasian and [[Gaius Licinius Mucianus]].]]
The last and most significant fortress of [[Zealotry|Jewish resistance]] was Jerusalem. However the campaign came to a sudden halt when news arrived of Nero's death.<ref name="josephus-wars-iv-9-2">[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book IV#Chapter 9|IV.9.2]]</ref> Almost simultaneously, the [[Roman Senate]] had declared [[Galba]], then governor of [[Hispania]], as Emperor of Rome. Vespasian decided to await further orders, and sent Titus to greet the new [[princeps]].<ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 2#1|II.1]]</ref> Before reaching Italy, Titus learnt that Galba had been murdered and replaced by [[Otho]], governor of [[Lusitania]], and that [[Vitellius]] and his armies in [[Germania]] were preparing to march on the capital, intent on overthrowing Otho. Not wanting to risk being taken hostage by one side or the other, he abandoned the journey to Rome and rejoined his father in Judaea.<ref name="tacitus-histories-ii-2">[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 2#2|II.2]]</ref> Meanwhile, Otho was defeated in the [[First Battle of Bedriacum]] and committed suicide.<ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 2#41|II.41–49]]</ref> When the news spread across the armies in Judaea and [[Ægyptus]], they took matters into their own hands and declared Vespasian emperor on [[July 1]] [[69]].<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book IV#Chapter 10|IV.10.4]]</ref> Vespasian accepted, and through negotiations by Titus joined forces with [[Mucianus|Gaius Licinius Mucianus]], governor of Syria.<ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 2#5|II.5]]</ref> A strong force drawn from the Judaean and Syrian legions marched on Rome under the command of Mucianus, while Vespasian himself travelled to [[Alexandria]], leaving Titus in charge to end the Jewish rebellion.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book IV#Chapter 11|IV.11.1]]</ref><ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 2#82|II.82]]</ref> By the end of 69 the forces of Vitellius had been beaten, and Vespasian was officially declared emperor by the Senate on [[December 21]], thus ending the [[Year of the Four Emperors]].<ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 4#3|IV.3]]</ref>
==== Siege of Jerusalem ====
[[Image:Francesco Hayez 017.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem'', [[Francesco Hayez]], oil on canvas, 1867. Depicting the destruction and looting of the Second Temple by the Roman army.]]
Meanwhile the Jews had become embroiled in a [[civil war|civil conflict]] of their own, splitting the resistance in the city among two factions; the [[Sicarii]] led by [[Simon Bar Giora]], and the [[Zealots]] led by [[John of Gischala]].<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book V#Chapter 1|V.1.4]]</ref> Titus seized the opportunity to begin the [[Siege of Jerusalem (70)|assault on Jerusalem]]. The Roman army was joined by the [[Legio XII Fulminata|twelfth legion]], which was previously defeated under [[Cestius Gallus]], and from Alexandria Vespasian sent [[Tiberius Julius Alexander]], governor of Ægyptus, to act as Titus's second in command.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book V#Chapter 1|V.1.6]]</ref> Titus surrounded the city, with three legions (Vth, XIIth and XVth) on the western side and one (Xth) on the [[Mount of Olives]] to the east. He put pressure on the food and water supplies of the inhabitants by allowing [[pilgrim]]s to enter the city to celebrate [[Passover]], and then refusing them egress. Jewish raids continuously harassed the Roman army, one of which nearly resulted in Titus being captured by the enemy.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book V#Chapter 2|V.2.2]]</ref>
After attempts by Josephus to negotiate a surrender had failed, the Romans resumed hostilities and quickly breached the first and second walls of the city.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book V#Chapter 6|V.6–V.9]]</ref> To intimidate the resistance, Titus ordered [[desertion|deserters]] from the Jewish side to be [[crucifixion|crucified]] around the city wall.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book V#Chapter 11|V.11.1]]</ref> By this time the Jews had been thoroughly exhausted by [[famine]], and when the weak third wall was breached bitter street fighting ensued.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VI#Chapter 2|VI.2–VI.3]]</ref> The Romans finally captured the [[Antonia Fortress]] and began a frontal assault on the gates of [[Second Temple|the Temple]].<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VI#Chapter 4|VI.4.1]]</ref> According to Josephus, Titus had ordered that the Temple itself should not be destroyed,<ref>Josephus, ''The War of the Jews'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VI#Chapter 4|VI.4.3]]</ref> but while the fighting around the gates continued a soldier hurled a torch inside one of the windows, which quickly set the entire building ablaze.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VI#Chapter 4|VI.4.5]]</ref> The later Christian chronicler [[Sulpicius Severus]], possibly drawing on a lost portion of [[Tacitus]]' ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'', claims that Titus favoured destruction of the Temple.<ref>[[Sulpicius Severus]], ''Chronicles'' [http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/sulpiciusseveruschron2.html II].30.6–7. For [[Tacitus]] as the source, see {{cite journal |author=T. D. Barnes |year=1977 |month=July |title=The Fragments of Tacitus' ''Histories'' |journal=Classical Philology |volume=72 |issue=3 |pages=224–231, pp. 226–228 | doi = 10.1086/366355 <!--Retrieved from CrossRef by DOI bot-->}}</ref> Whatever the case, the Temple was completely demolished, after which Titus's soldiers proclaimed him ''[[imperator]]'' in honor of the victory.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VI#Chapter 6|VI.6.1]]</ref> [[Destruction of Jerusalem|Jerusalem was sacked]] and much of the population killed or dispersed. Josephus claims that 1,100,000 people were killed during the siege, of which a majority were Jewish.<ref name="josephus-wars-vi-9">[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VI#Chapter 9|VI.9.3]]</ref> 97,000 were captured and enslaved, including Simon Bar Giora and John of Gischala.<ref name="josephus-wars-vi-9"/> Many fled to areas around the [[Mediterranean]]. Titus reportedly refused to accept a [[wreath]] of victory, as there is "no merit in vanquishing people forsaken by their own God".<ref>[[Philostratus]], ''The Life of Apollonius of Tyana'' [http://www.livius.org/ap-ark/apollonius/life/va_6_26.html#%A729 6.29]</ref>
=== Heir to Vespasian ===
[[Image:Arch of Titus Menorah.png|thumb|right|300px|Titus' [[Roman triumph|triumph]] after the [[First Jewish-Roman War]] was celebrated with the [[Arch of Titus]] in Rome, which shows the treasures taken from the [[Temple in Jerusalem]], including the [[Menorah (Temple)|Menorah]].]]
Unable to sail to Italy during the winter, Titus celebrated elaborate games at [[Caesarea Maritima]] and [[Berytus]], then travelled to [[Zeugma (city)|Zeugma]] on the [[Euphrates]], where he was presented with a crown by [[Vologases I of Parthia]]. While visiting [[Antioch]] he confirmed the traditional rights of the Jews in that city.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VII#Chapter 3|VII.3.1]], [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VII#Chapter 5|VII.5.2]]</ref> On his way to [[Alexandria]], he stopped in [[Memphis, Egypt|Memphis]] to consecrate the sacred bull [[Apis (Egyptian mythology)|Apis]]. According to [[Suetonius]], this caused consternation; the ceremony required Titus to wear a [[diadem (personal wear)|diadem]], which the Romans associated with [[monarch|kingship]], and the partisanship of Titus's legions had already led to fears that he might rebel against his father. Titus returned quickly to Rome – hoping, says Suetonius, to allay any suspicions about his conduct.<ref>[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#5 5]</ref>
Upon his arrival in the city in [[71]], Titus was awarded a [[Roman triumph|triumph]].<ref>[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html#6 LXV.6]</ref> Accompanied by Vespasian and Domitian he rode into the city, enthusiastically saluted by the Roman populace and preceded by a lavish parade containing treasures and captives from the war. Josephus describes a procession with large amounts of gold and silver carried along the route, followed by elaborate re-enactments of the war, Jewish prisoners, and finally the treasures taken from the Temple of Jerusalem, including the [[Menorah (Temple)|Menorah]] and the [[Pentateuch]].<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VII#Chapter 5|VII.5.5]]</ref> Simon Bar Giora was executed in the [[Forum Romanum|Forum]], after which the procession closed with religious sacrifices at the [[Temple of Jupiter (Capitoline Hill)|Temple of Jupiter]].<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book VII#Chapter 5|VII.5.6]]</ref>
The [[triumphal arch|triumphal]] [[Arch of Titus]], which stands at one entrance to the Forum, memorializes the victory of Titus.
[[Image:Arco de Tito.jpg|thumb|left|220px|The [[Arch of Titus]], located on the [[Via Sacra]], just to the south-east of the ''[[Roman Forum|Forum Romanum]]'' in Rome.]]
With Vespasian declared emperor, Titus and his brother Domitian likewise received the title of ''Caesar'' from the Senate.<ref>[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html#1 LXV.1]</ref> In addition to sharing [[tribune|tribunician power]] with his father, Titus held seven [[consul]]ships during Vespasian's reign<ref name="suetonius-titus-6">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#6 6]</ref> and acted as his secretary, appearing in the Senate on his behalf.<ref name="suetonius-titus-6"/> More crucially, he was appointed [[Praetorian prefect|commander of the Praetorian Guard]], ensuring their loyalty to the emperor and further solidifying Vespasian's position as a legitimate ruler.<ref name="suetonius-titus-6"/> In this capacity he achieved considerable notoriety in Rome for his violent actions, frequently ordering the execution of suspected [[traitor]]s on the spot.<ref name="suetonius-titus-6"/> When in [[79]], a plot by [[Aulus Caecina Alienus]] and Eprius Marcellus to overthrow Vespasian was uncovered, Titus invited Alienus to dinner and ordered him to be stabbed before he had even left the room.<ref name="suetonius-titus-6"/><ref>[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html#16 LXV.16]</ref>
During the Jewish wars, Titus had begun a love affair with [[Berenice (daughter of Agrippa I)|Berenice]], sister of [[Agrippa II]].<ref name="tacitus-histories-ii-2"/> The [[Herodian Dynasty|Herodians]] had collaborated with the Romans during the rebellion, and Berenice herself had supported Vespasian upon his campaign to become emperor.<ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 2#81|II.81]]</ref> In [[75]], she returned to Titus and openly lived with him in the palace as his promised wife. The Romans were wary of the Eastern Queen and disapproved of their relationship. When the pair was publicly denounced by [[Cynic]]s in the theatre, Titus caved in to the pressure and sent her away,<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxv-15">[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html#66-15 LXV.15]</ref> but his reputation further suffered.
== Emperor ==
=== Succession ===
[[Image:Titus Augustus Denarius.png|thumb|right|330px|Roman [[denarius]] depicting Titus, ''c.'' 79. The reverse commemorates his [[Roman triumph|triumph]] in the [[Jewish-Roman wars|Judaean wars]], representing a Jewish captive kneeling in front of a trophy of arms.]]
Vespasian died of an infection on [[June 23]] [[79|79 AD]],<ref>[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#17 LXVI.17]</ref> and was immediately succeeded by his son Titus.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-18">[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]] [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#18 LXVI.18]</ref> Because of his many alleged [[vice]]s, many Romans feared at this point that he would be another Nero.<ref name="suetonius-titus-7">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#7 7]</ref> Against these expectations, however, Titus proved to be an effective emperor and was well-loved by the population, who praised him highly when they found that he possessed the greatest [[virtue]]s instead of vices.<ref name="suetonius-titus-7"/> One of his first acts as an emperor was to publicly order a halt to trials based on ''treason'' charges,<ref name="suetonius-titus-8">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#8 8]</ref> which had long plagued the [[principate]]. The law of [[treason]], or [[Law of majestas|''maiestas'' law]], was originally intended to prosecute those who had corruptly 'impaired the people and majesty of Rome' by any [[revolution]]ary action.<ref name="tacitus-annals-i-72">[[Tacitus]], ''[[Annals (Tacitus)|Annals]]'' [[wikisource:The Annals (Tacitus)/Book 1#72|I.72]]</ref> Under [[Augustus]], however, this custom had been revived and applied to cover [[slander and libel|slander or libellous writings]] as well,<ref name="tacitus-annals-i-72"/> eventually leading to a long cycle of [[trial]]s and executions under such emperors as [[Tiberius]], [[Caligula]] and Nero, spawning entire [[Delator|networks of informer]]s that terrorized Rome's political system for decades.<ref name="suetonius-titus-8"/> Titus put an end to this practice, against himself or anyone else, declaring:
<blockquote>"It is impossible for me to be insulted or abused in any way. For I do naught that deserves censure, and I care not for what is reported falsely. As for the emperors who are dead and gone, they will avenge themselves in case anyone does them a wrong, if in very truth they are demigods and possess any power."<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-19">[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#19 LXVI.19]</ref></blockquote>
Consequently, no [[senator]]s were put to death during his reign;<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-19"/> he thus kept to his promise that he would assume the office of [[Pontifex Maximus]] "for the purpose of keeping his hands [[ritual purification|unstained]]".<ref name="suetonius-titus-9">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#9 9]</ref> The informants were publicly punished and [[banishment|banished]] from the city, and Titus further prevented abuses by introducing legislation that made it unlawful for persons to be [[double jeopardy|tried under different laws for the same offense]].<ref name="suetonius-titus-8"/> Finally, when Berenice returned to Rome, he sent her away.<ref name="suetonius-titus-7"/>
As emperor he became known for his generosity, and [[Suetonius]] states that upon realising he had brought no benefit to anyone during a whole day he remarked, "Friends, I have lost a day."<ref name="suetonius-titus-8"/>
=== Challenges ===
[[Image:Pompeii Garden of the Fugitives 02.jpg|thumb|left|180px|The [[Mount Vesuvius#Eruption of 79|79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius]] completely destroyed [[Pompeii]] and [[Herculaneum]]. Today plaster casts of actual victims found during excavations are on display in some of the ruins.]]
Although his administration was marked by a relative absence of major military or political conflicts, Titus faced a number of major disasters during his brief reign. On [[August 24]] [[79]], barely two months after his accession, [[Mount Vesuvius#Eruption of 79|Mount Vesuvius erupted]],<ref>[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#22 LXVI.22]</ref> resulting in the almost complete destruction of life and property in the cities and resort communities around the [[Bay of Naples]]. The cities of [[Pompeii]] and [[Herculaneum]] were buried under metres of stone and [[lava]],<ref>[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#23 LXVI.23]</ref> killing thousands of citizens.<ref> The exact number of casualties is unknown; however, estimates of the population of Pompeii range between 10,000 ([http://enginova.com/engineering_of_pompeii.htm]) and 25,000 ([http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/pompeii.htm]), with at least a thousand bodies currently recovered in and around the city ruins.</ref> Titus appointed two ex-consuls to organise and coordinate the [[Humanitarian aid|relief effort]], while personally donating large amounts of money from the imperial treasury to aid the victims of the volcano.<ref name="suetonius-titus-8"/> Additionally, he visited Pompeii once after the eruption and again the following year.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-24">[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#24 LXVI.24]</ref>
During the second visit a fire broke out in Rome which lasted for three days.<ref name="suetonius-titus-8"/><ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-24"/> Although the extent of the damage was not as disastrous as during the [[Great Fire of Rome|Great Fire]] of [[64]]—crucially sparing the many districts of [[insulae]]—[[Cassius Dio]] records a long list of important public buildings that were destroyed, including Agrippa's [[Temple|Pantheon]], the [[Temple of Jupiter (Capitoline Hill)|Temple of Jupiter]], the [[Diribitorium]], parts of [[Theatre of Pompey|Pompey's Theatre]] and the [[Saepta Julia]] among others.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-24"/> Once again, Titus personally compensated for the damaged regions.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-24"/> According to Suetonius, a [[Plague (disease)|plague]] similarly struck during the fire.<ref name="suetonius-titus-8"/> The nature of the disease, however, or the [[death toll]] are unknown.
Meanwhile war had resumed in [[Roman Britain|Britannia]], where [[Gnaeus Julius Agricola]] pushed further into [[Caledonia]] and managed to establish several forts there.<ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Agricola (book)|Agricola]]'' [[wikisource:Agricola#22|22]]</ref> As a result of his actions, Titus received the title of [[Imperator#Imperator as an imperial title|Imperator]] for the fifteenth time.<ref>[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#20 LXVI.20]</ref>
His reign also saw the rebellion led by [[Terentius Maximus]], one of several ''false Neros'' who continued to appear throughout the [[70s]].<ref name="tacitus-histories)i-2">[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 1#2|I.2]]</ref> Although Nero was primarily known as a universally hated [[tyrant]]—there is evidence that for much of his reign, he remained highly popular in the eastern provinces. Reports that Nero had in fact survived the assassination attempts were fueled by the vague circumstances surrounding his death and several [[prophecy|prophecies]] foretelling his return.<ref>{{ cite journal | last = Sanford | first = Eva Matthews | title = Nero and the East | journal = Harvard Studies in Classical Philology | volume = 48 | year = 1937 | pages = p75–103 | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0073-0688%281937%2948%3C75%3ANATE%3E2.0.CO%3B2-5 | location = Harvard University | accessdate = 2007-09-10 | doi = 10.2307/310691 }}</ref> According to Cassius Dio, Terentius Maximus resembled Nero in voice and appearance and, like him, sang to the [[lyre]].<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-19"/> Terentius established a following in [[Asia minor]] but was soon forced to flee beyond the [[Euphrates]], taking refuge with the [[Parthian]]s.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-19"/><ref name="tacitus-histories)i-2"/> In addition, sources state that Titus discovered that his brother Domitian was plotting against him but refused to have him killed or banished.<ref name="suetonius-titus-9"/><ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-26">[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#26 LXVI.26]</ref>
=== Public works ===
[[Image:Colosseum in Rome, Italy - April 2007.jpg|thumb|280px|right|The Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum, was completed during the reign of Titus and inaugurated with spectacular games that lasted for 100 days. See ''[[Inaugural games of the Flavian Amphitheatre]]''.]]
Construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, presently better known as the [[Colosseum]], was begun in [[70]] under [[Vespasian]] and finally completed in [[80]] under Titus.<ref>{{cite book | first=Leland M. | last=Roth | year=1993 | title=Understanding Architecture: Its Elements, History and Meaning | edition =First | publisher=Westview Press | location=Boulder, CO | id=ISBN 0-06-430158-3 | pages=}}</ref> In addition to providing spectacular entertainments to the Roman populace, the building was also conceived as a gigantic triumphal monument to commemorate the military achievements of the Flavians during the [[First Jewish-Roman War|Jewish wars]].<ref>{{cite book | first=Amanda | last=Claridge | year=1998 | title=Rome: An Oxford Archaeological Guide | edition =First | publisher=Oxford University Press, 1998 | location=Oxford, UK | id=ISBN 0-19-288003-9 | pages=pp. 276–282}}</ref> The [[Inaugural games of the Flavian Amphitheatre|inaugural games]] lasted for a hundred days and were said to be extremely elaborate, including [[gladiator|gladiatorial combat]], fights between wild animals ([[elephant]]s and [[crane (bird)|cranes]]), mock [[naval battle]]s for which the theatre was flooded, [[horse race]]s and [[chariot race]]s.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-25">[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html#25 LXVI.25]</ref> During the games, wooden balls were dropped into the audience, inscribed with various prizes ([[clothing]], [[gold]], or even [[Slavery in antiquity#Slavery in Rome|slaves]]), which could then be traded for the designated item.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-25"/>
Adjacent to the amphitheatre, within the precinct of Nero's [[Domus Aurea|Golden House]], Titus had also ordered the construction of a new public [[thermae|bath-house]], which was to [[Baths of Titus|bear his name]].<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-25"/> Construction of this building was hastily finished to coincide with the completion of the Flavian Amphitheatre.<ref name="suetonius-titus-7"/>
Practice of the [[Imperial cult (ancient Rome)|imperial cult]] was revived by Titus, though apparently it met with some difficulty as Vespasian was not deified until six months after his death.<ref> Coins bearing the inscription ''Divus Vespasianus'' were not issued until 80 or 81 by Titus.</ref> To further honor and glorify the [[Flavian dynasty]], foundations were laid for what would later become the [[Temple of Vespasian and Titus]], which was finished by Domitian.<ref>Jones, Brian W. The Emperor Titus. New York: St. Martin's P, 1984. 143.</ref><ref>[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Domitian [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Domitian*.html#5 5]</ref>
=== Death ===
At the closing of the games, Titus officially dedicated the amphitheatre and the baths, which was to be his final recorded act as an emperor.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-26"/> He set out for the [[Sabine]] territories but fell ill at the first posting station<ref name="suetonius-titus-10">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#10 10]</ref> where he died of a [[fever]], reportedly in the same farm-house as his father.<ref name="suetonius-titus-11">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#11 11]</ref> Allegedly, the last words he uttered before passing away were: "I have made but one mistake".<ref name="suetonius-titus-10"/><ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-26"/> Titus had ruled the [[Roman Empire]] for just over two years, from the death of his father in 79 to his own on [[September 13]] [[81]].<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-26"/> He was succeeded by Domitian, whose first act as emperor was to [[apotheosis|deify]] his brother.<ref name="suetonius-domitian-2">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Domitian [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Domitian*.html#2 2]</ref>
[[Historians]] have speculated on the exact nature of his death, and to which mistake Titus alluded in his final words. [[Philostratus]] writes that he was poisoned by Domitian with a [[sea hare]], and that his death had been foretold to him by [[Apollonius of Tyana]].<ref>[[Philostratus]], ''The Life of Apollonius of Tyana'' [http://www.livius.org/ap-ark/apollonius/life/va_6_31.html#%A732 6.32]</ref> Suetonius and Cassius Dio maintain he died of natural causes, but both accuse Domitian of having left the ailing Titus for dead.<ref name="suetonius-domitian-2"/><ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-26"/> Consequently, Dio believes Titus's mistake refers to his failure to have his brother executed when he was found to be openly plotting against him.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-26"/>
According to the [[Babylonian Talmud]] ([[Gittin]] 56b), an [[insect]] flew into Titus's nose and picked at his brain for seven years. He noticed that the sound of a blacksmith hammering caused the ensuing pain to abate, so he paid for blacksmiths to hammer nearby him; however, the effect wore off and the insect resumed its gnawing. When he died, they opened his skull and found the insect had grown to the size of a bird. The Talmud gives this as the cause of his death and interprets it as divine retribution for his wicked actions.<ref>Medicine in the Bible and Talmud, Fred Rosner, p.76. Pub. 1995, KTAV Publishing House, ISBN 0-88125-506-8. Extract viewable at ([http://books.google.com/books?id=SL34EWxAJfYC&pg=PA76&dq=titus+brain+insect+hammer&ei=3PGiR__1L5O0yQSdxfDFDQ&sig=sb-nf1h9V9A5Y0fsdfTEZbFvrjE#PPA76,M1])</ref>
== Legacy ==
=== Historiography ===
[[Image:Head Titus Glyptothek Munich 338.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Colossal head of Titus ([[Glyptothek]]).]]
Titus's record among ancient historians stands as one of the most exemplary of any emperor. All the surviving accounts from this period, many of them written by his own contemporaries, present a highly favourable view towards Titus. His character has especially prospered in comparison with that of his brother Domitian.
''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' offers a first-hand, [[witness|eye-witness]] account on the Jewish rebellion and the character of Titus. The [[neutrality]] of [[Josephus]]' writings has come into question however as he was heavily indebted to the [[Flavian dynasty|Flavians]]. In [[71]], he arrived in Rome in the entourage of Titus, became a [[Roman citizenship|Roman citizen]] and took on the Roman [[nomen]] Flavius and [[praenomen]] Titus from his patrons. He received an annual pension and lived in the palace.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Life of Flavius Josephus]]'' [[wikisource:The Life of Flavius Josephus#76|76]]</ref> It was while in Rome, and under Flavian [[patronage]], that Josephus wrote all of his known works. ''The War of the Jews'' is heavily slanted against the leaders of the revolt, portraying the rebellion as weak and unorganized, and even blaming the Jews for causing the war.<ref>[[Josephus]], ''[[The Wars of the Jews]]'' [[wikisource:The War of the Jews/Book II#Chapter 17|II.17]]</ref> The credibility of Josephus as a historian has subsequently come under fire.<ref>Josephus, Flavius, ''The Jewish War'', tr. G.A. Williamson, introduction by E. Mary Smallwood. New York, Penguin, 1981, p. 24</ref>
Another contemporary of Titus was [[Tacitus|Publius Cornelius Tacitus]], who started his public career in 80 or 81 and credits the Flavian dynasty with his elevation.<ref>[[Tacitus]], ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [[wikisource:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 1#1|I.1]]</ref> ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|The Histories]]''—his account of this period—was published during the reign of [[Trajan]]. Unfortunately only the first five books from this work have survived until the present day, with the text on Titus's and Domitian's reign entirely lost.
[[Suetonius|Suetonius Tranquilius]] gives a short but highly favourable account on Titus's reign in ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'',<ref name="suetonius-titus-1">[[Suetonius]], ''[[On the Life of the Caesars|The Lives of Twelve Caesars]]'', Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#1 1]</ref> emphasizing his military achievements and his generosity as Emperor, in short describing him as follows:
<blockquote>Titus, of the same surname as his father, was the delight and darling of the human race; such surpassing ability had he, by nature, art, or good fortune, to win the affections of all men, and that, too, which is no easy task, while he was emperor.<ref name="suetonius-titus-1"/></blockquote>
Finally, [[Cassius Dio]] wrote his ''[[Cassius Dio#Roman History|Roman History]]'' over a hundred years after the death of Titus. He shares a similar outlook as Suetonius, possibly even using the latter as a source, but is more reserved, noting:
<blockquote>His satisfactory record may also have been due to the fact that he survived his accession but a very short time, for he was thus given no opportunity for wrongdoing. For he lived after this only two years, two months and twenty days — in addition to the thirty-nine years, five months and twenty-five days he had already lived at that time. In this respect, indeed, he is regarded as having equalled the long reign of [[Augustus]], since it is maintained that Augustus would never have been loved had he lived a shorter time, nor Titus had he lived longer. For Augustus, though at the outset he showed himself rather harsh because of the wars and the factional strife, was later able, in the course of time, to achieve a brilliant reputation for his kindly deeds; Titus, on the other hand, ruled with mildness and died at the height of his glory, whereas, if he had lived a long time, it might have been shown that he owes his present fame more to good fortune than to merit.<ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-18"/></blockquote>
[[Pliny the Elder]], who later died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius,<ref>[http://www.eyewitnesstohistory.com/pompeii.htm The Destruction of Pompeii, 79 AD], Translation of [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]]'s letters. [http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/pliny.ep6.html Original.]</ref> dedicated his ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Naturalis Historia]]'' to Titus.<ref>[[Pliny the Elder]], ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural Histories]]'' [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/holland/plinyepistle.html Preface]</ref>
In contrast to the ideal portrayal of Titus in Roman histories, in Jewish memory "Titus the Wicked" is remembered as an evil opressor and destroyer of the Temple. For example, one legend in the Babylonian Talmud describes Titus as having had sex with a whore on a Torah scroll inside the Temple during its destruction.<ref> Babylonian Talmud (Gittin 56b) </ref>
=== Titus in later arts ===
[[Image:The Triumph of Titus Alma Tadema.jpg|thumb|right|220px|''The Triumph of Titus'', by Sir [[Lawrence Alma-Tadema]] (1885). The composition suggests a love affair between Titus and Domitian's wife [[Domitia Longina]] (see below).]]
The war in Judaea and the life of Titus, particularly his relationship with Berenice, have inspired writers and artists through the centuries. The [[bas-relief]] in the Arch of Titus has been influential in the depiction of the [[destruction of Jerusalem]], with the [[Menorah (Temple)|Menorah]] frequently being used to symbolise the looting of the [[Second Temple]].
==== Literature ====
*''[[Bérénice]]'', a play by [[Jean Racine]] ([[1670]]) which focuses on the love affair between Titus and Berenice.
*''[[Tite et Bérénice]]'', a play by [[Pierre Corneille]] which was in competition with Racine the same year, and concerns the same subject matter.
*''[[La clemenza di Tito]]'', an [[opera]] by [[Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart|Mozart]], about a fictional romance between Emperor Titus and Vitellia, daughter of [[Vitellius]].
*The ''Josephus Trilogy'', novels by [[Lion Feuchtwanger]], about the life of [[Josephus|Flavius Josephus]] and his relation with the Flavian dynasty.
**''Der jüdische Krieg'' (''Josephus''), 1932
**''Die Söhne'' (''The Jews of Rome''), 1935
**''Der Tag wird kommen'' (''The day will come'', ''Josephus and the Emperor''), 1942
*The ''[[Marcus Didius Falco]]'' novels, which take place during the reign of Vespasian.
*''[[The Roman Mysteries]]'', a series of children's books which take place during the reign of Titus.
* The High School [[Latin language|Latin]] textbook series [[Ecce Romani]] takes place during the reign of Titus.
==== Paintings ====
*''[[:Image:Kaulbach Zerstoerung Jerusalems durch Titus.jpg|The Destruction of Jerusalem by Titus]]'' by [[Wilhelm von Kaulbach]] ([[1846]]). Oil on canvas, 585 x 705 cm. Neue Pinakothek, [[Munich]]. An allegorical depiction of the [[destruction of Jerusalem]], dramatically centered around the figure of Titus.
*''[[:Image:Poussin Destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem.jpg|The Destruction of the Temple at Jerusalem]]'' by [[Nicolas Poussin]] ([[1637]]). Oil on canvas, 147 x 198,5 cm. Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. Depicts the destruction and looting of the Second Temple by the Roman army led by Titus.
*''[[:Image:Francesco Hayez 017.jpg|The Destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem]]'' by [[Francesco Hayez]] ([[1867]]). Oil on canvas, 183 x 252 cm. Galleria d'Arte Moderna, [[Venice]]. Depicts the destruction and looting of the Second Temple by the Roman army.
*''[[:Image:Roberts Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem.jpg|The Siege and Destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans Under the Command of Titus, A.D. 70]]'' by [[David Roberts]] ([[1850]]). Oil on canvas, 136 x 197 cm. Private collection. Depicts the burning and looting of Jerusalem by the Roman army under Titus.
*''[[:Image:Romano Triumph of Titus and Vespasian.jpg|The Triumph of Titus and Vespasian]]'' by [[Giulio Romano]] ([[1540]]). Oil on wood, 170 x 120 cm. [[Louvre]], [[Paris]]. Depicts Titus and Vespasian as they ride into Rome on a triumphal chariot, preceded by a parade carrying spoils from the war in Judaea. The painting [[anachronism|anachronistically]] features the Arch of Titus, which was not completed until the reign of Domitian.
*''[[:Image:The Triumph of Titus Alma Tadema.jpg|The Triumph of Titus]]'' by [[Lawrence Alma-Tadema]] ([[1885]]). Oil on canvas. Private collection. This painting depicts the triumphal procession of Titus and his family. Alma-Tadema was known for his meticulous historical research on the ancient world.<ref>{{cite journal | last = Prettejohn | first = Elizabeth | title = Lawrence Alma-Tadema and the Modern City of Ancient Rome | journal = The Art Bulletin | volume = 84 | issue = 1 | pages = 115–129 | date = [[March]] [[2002]] | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0004-3079%28200203%2984%3A1%3C115%3ALAATMC%3E2.0.CO%3B2-D | accessdate=2007-07-31 | month = Mar | year = 2002 | doi = 10.2307/3177255}}</ref> Vespasian, dressed as [[Pontifex Maximus]], walks at the head of his family, followed by Domitian and his first wife [[Domitia Longina]], who he had only recently married. Behind Domitian follows Titus, dressed in religious regalia. An exchange of glances between Titus and Domitia suggests an affair which historians have speculated upon.<ref name="suetonius-titus-10"/><ref name="dio-romanhistory-lxvi-26"/>
== Notes ==
{{reflist|2}}
== References ==
*{{ cite book | last = Jones | first = Brian W. | title = The Emperor Domitian | publisher = Routledge | year = 1992 | location = London | isbn = 0-415-10195-6 }}
*{{cite book |author=Brian Jones |coauthors=and Robert Milns |title=Suetonius: The Flavian Emperors: A Historical Commentary |year=2002 |publisher=Bristol Classical Press |location=London |isbn=1-85399-613-0 |pages=p. 91 }}
== Further reading ==
{{Commons|Titus}}
=== Primary sources ===
*[http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html Suetonius, ''The Lives of Twelve Caesars'', Life of Titus], Latin text with English translation
*[http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'', Books 65] and [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html 66], English translation
*[[s:The War of the Jews|Josephus, ''The War of the Jews'']], English translation
*[[s:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 2|Tacitus, ''Histories'', Books 2]], [[s:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 4|4]] and [[s:The Histories (Tacitus)/Book 5|5]], English translation
=== Secondary material ===
*[http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/titus/t.html Coinage of Titus at Wildwinds.com]
*[http://www.roman-emperors.org/titus.htm Biography of Titus at roman-emperors.org]
{{start box}}
{{succession box|title = [[List of early imperial Roman consuls|Consul]] of the [[Roman Empire]] with [[Vespasian]]|before = [[Fabius Valens]] and [[Arrius Antoninus]]||after = [[Vespasian]] and [[Nerva|Marcus Cocceius Nerva]] |years = [[70]]}}
{{succession box|title = [[List of early imperial Roman consuls|Consul]] of the [[Roman Empire]] with [[Vespasian]]|before = [[Vespasian]] and [[Nerva|Marcus Cocceius Nerva]]||after = [[Domitian]] and [[Lucius Valerius Catullus Messallinus]] |years = [[72]]}}
{{succession box|title = [[List of early imperial Roman consuls|Consul]] of the [[Roman Empire]] together with [[Vespasian]]|before = [[Domitian]] and [[Lucius Valerius Catullus Messallinus]]||after = [[Decimus Iunius Novius Priscus Rufus]] and [[Lucius Ceionius Commodus]] |years = [[74]]-[[77]]}}
{{succession box|title = [[List of early imperial Roman consuls|Consul]] of the [[Roman Empire]]|before = [[Decimus Iunius Novius Priscus Rufus]] and [[Lucius Ceionius Commodus]]||after = [[Lucius Flavius Silva Nonius Bassus]] and [[Lucius Asinius Pollio Verrucosus]] |years = [[79]]-[[80]]}}
{{succession box|title=[[Flavian Dynasty]]|years=69–96|before=[[Vespasian]]|after=[[Domitian]]}}
{{succession box|title=[[List of Roman Emperors|Roman Emperor]]|before=[[Vespasian]]|after=[[Domitian]]|years=[[79]]–[[81]]}}
{{end box}}
{{Roman Emperors}}
[[Category:Roman emperors]]
[[Category:Flavian Dynasty]]
[[Category:Flavii|Vespasianus, Titus]]
[[Category:Imperial Roman consuls]]
[[Category:Ancient Romans in Britain]]
[[Category:Ancient Jewish Roman history]]
[[Category:Deified Roman emperors]]
[[Category:People from Rome (city)]]
[[Category:39 births]]
[[Category:81 deaths]]
{{Link FA|de}}
[[ar:تيتوس]]
[[br:Titus (impalaer)]]
[[bg:Тит]]
[[ca:Titus]]
[[cs:Titus]]
[[cy:Titus]]
[[da:Titus Flavius Vespasianus]]
[[de:Titus (Römischer Kaiser)]]
[[et:Titus]]
[[es:Tito Flavio Sabino Vespasiano]]
[[eo:Tito (imperiestro)]]
[[eu:Tito]]
[[fr:Titus (empereur romain)]]
[[fy:Titus]]
[[gl:Tito]]
[[ko:티투스]]
[[hr:Tit Flavije]]
[[id:Titus Flavius Vespasianus]]
[[is:Títus]]
[[it:Tito (imperatore romano)]]
[[he:טיטוס]]
[[ka:ტიტუსი]]
[[sw:Kaizari Titus]]
[[la:Titus (imperator)]]
[[lt:Titas]]
[[hu:Titus]]
[[mr:टायटस]]
[[nl:Titus (keizer)]]
[[ja:ティトゥス]]
[[no:Titus]]
[[nn:Titus av Romarriket]]
[[pl:Tytus Flawiusz]]
[[pt:Tito (imperador)]]
[[ro:Titus Flavius Vespasianus]]
[[ru:Тит Флавий Веспасиан]]
[[sk:Titus]]
[[sr:Тит]]
[[sh:Tit]]
[[fi:Titus]]
[[sv:Titus (romersk kejsare)]]
[[tl:Titus]]
[[tr:Titus Flavius Vespasianus]]
[[uk:Тит Флавій]]
[[zh:提圖斯]]