Domitian, 81-96 AD. AR Quinarius, Rome mint.

To understand Titus Flavius Domitianus—known to history as Emperor Domitian—one must first understand what it meant to be the secondary son in a family of conquerors. While his father, Vespasian, seized the Roman Empire and his older brother, Titus, earned immense glory commanding legions in the East, Domitian was left behind in the capital. He was the imperial spare, navigating the dangerous politics of Rome while constantly being reminded of his lesser status within the newly established Flavian dynasty. next...