Domitian (51-96 AD), from the Flavian dynasty, was Roman Emperor from 81 AD till his assassination and replacement by Nerva fifteen years later. His reign was marked by two large military campaigns against Caledonia (modern Scotland) and Dacia, both of which did not yield satisfactory results, a successful economic policy due to revaluing the counage, and an the religious cult of personality built around him, foreshadowing the Dominate that would develop over the coming decades of the Empire. Domitian was allegedly beloved by the people and the armies, but detested by the Senate, who considered him a tyrant. This animosity with the aristocracy resulted in a conspiracy that ended in his assassination, and replacement by Nerva, progenitor of the Nerva-Antonine dynasty.
But what if Domitian's reign had been more successful? IIRC, most sources on his reign are negative only because they were written by senators and supporters of the aristocracy.
How could the attempted conquests of Caledonia and Dacia succeed during his reign? Could that dissuade the Senate from antagonizing him a bit?
For how long can Domitian reign while staving off assassination attempts?
Considering the cult of personality and auspices that surrounded his figure, can he create an earlier tradition for the Dominate, at the detriment of the Senate? Or was it too early in the Empire's history for that?
But what if Domitian's reign had been more successful? IIRC, most sources on his reign are negative only because they were written by senators and supporters of the aristocracy.
How could the attempted conquests of Caledonia and Dacia succeed during his reign? Could that dissuade the Senate from antagonizing him a bit?
For how long can Domitian reign while staving off assassination attempts?
Considering the cult of personality and auspices that surrounded his figure, can he create an earlier tradition for the Dominate, at the detriment of the Senate? Or was it too early in the Empire's history for that?