L'anno dei quattro imperatori e l'ascesa dei Flavi — Storia romana

Summary

The video covers the rise of the Flavian dynasty following the tumultuous 'Year of the Four Emperors' (69 CE), where Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian vied for power after Nero's death. Vespasian ultimately secured the throne, leading to a period of stability, economic reforms, and cultural achievements like the Colosseum. His sons, Titus and Domitian, continued the dynasty, with Titus notably managing the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of the Second Temple. Domitian’s rule ended in assassination, marking the end of the Flavian dynasty and a shift in Roman imperial power.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Flavian dynasty began after the chaos of the 'Year of the Four Emperors' (69 AD), with Vespasian rising to power after Galba, Otho, and Vitellius.
• 😀 Vespasian is known for restoring stability to Rome after Nero’s chaotic rule, implementing economic policies to refill the state’s treasury and starting the construction of the Colosseum.
• 😀 The phrase 'pecunia non olet' ('money doesn’t stink') became associated with Vespasian, who imposed a tax on urine, used for cleaning clothes.
• 😀 Titus, Vespasian’s son, was popular for his handling of disasters, such as the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum.
• 😀 The destruction of the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem (70 AD) by Titus marked a significant event in Roman history, followed by the fall of Masada in 73 AD.
• 😀 Titus is remembered positively in Rome for his leadership during natural disasters and is commemorated with the Arch of Titus, celebrating his victories.
• 😀 Domitian, Titus’s brother, ruled autocratically and declared himself 'Dominus et Deus' ('Lord and God'), a title that highlighted his megalomania and strained relations with the Senate.
• 😀 Domitian expanded the empire’s boundaries, especially in Britain, and built defensive structures like the 'limes' on the Germanic frontier.
• 😀 Domitian's policies of appeasing the plebeian classes and his authoritarian approach led to his eventual assassination in 96 AD.
• 😀 Following Domitian's death, his memory was condemned through 'damnatio memoriae,' erasing his legacy from Roman history, similar to other unpopular emperors like Caligula and Nero.

Q & A

What major event marked the beginning of the Flavian dynasty?

The Flavian dynasty began after the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors in 69 AD, during which four emperors—Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian—reigned in rapid succession. Vespasian ultimately emerged victorious, establishing the dynasty.

Why was Galba unpopular with the Praetorian Guard?

Galba, supported by the Senate, was unpopular with the Praetorian Guard because they preferred Otho, who had closer ties to them. Galba's decision to name a successor, Piso Frugi, also increased dissatisfaction.

What does the phrase 'Pecunia non olet' mean, and why is it associated with Vespasian?

'Pecunia non olet' translates to 'money does not stink' and is attributed to Vespasian’s decision to tax public urinals. This phrase reflects his pragmatic approach to financial matters, accepting revenue from all sources.

What was Vespasian's most famous construction project?

Vespasian is most famous for initiating the construction of the Colosseum (Flavian Amphitheater), one of Rome's most iconic landmarks, which became a symbol of Roman grandeur and engineering.

How did Titus respond to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius?

Titus is remembered for his effective crisis management during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. His handling of the disaster earned him the title 'Delight of the Human Race.'

What major event did Titus also manage during his reign?

In addition to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, Titus also managed the Great Fire of Rome in 80 AD, further solidifying his reputation as an emperor who took quick and effective action in times of disaster.

How did Domitian's rule differ from that of his predecessors?

Domitian’s rule was marked by autocracy and an aggressive consolidation of power. He declared himself 'Dominus et Deus' (Lord and God), an assertion of divine and absolute authority, which led to tensions with the Senate and the people.

What was Domitian's attitude towards the Senate?

Domitian had a contentious relationship with the Senate. He sought to ingratiate himself with the lower classes but alienated the Senate, which eventually led to a conspiracy and his assassination in 96 AD.

What were some of Domitian's military achievements?

Domitian expanded the Roman Empire's boundaries by consolidating the conquest of Britain and fortifying the Germanic border with the construction of the 'limes,' a system of defensive walls and forts.

What was the fate of Domitian after his assassination?

After his assassination, Domitian was condemned to 'damnatio memoriae,' a process by which his memory was officially erased, much like the fate of other unpopular emperors such as Caligula and Nero.