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Vespasian

69–79 AD

Titus

79–81 AD

Domitian

81–96 AD

Preceded by
Year of
the Four Emperors

Followed by
Nerva–Antonine dynasty

Domitia Longina (c. 53 – c. 130) was an Empress and wife to the Roman Emperor Domitian. She was the youngest daughter of the general and consul Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo. Domitia divorced her first husband Lucius Aelius Lamia in order to marry Domitian in 71. The marriage produced only one son, whose early death is believed to have been the cause of temporary rift between Domitia and her husband in 83. She became Empress of Rome upon Domitian's accession in 81, and remained so until his assassination in 96. She is believed to have died sometime between 126 and 130.

Family

Domitia Longina was born sometime between 50 and 55, as the youngest daughter to the family of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo and Cassia Longina.^[1] Her paternal aunt was Milonia Caesonia, Roman Empress to Caligula. Her elder sister, Domitia Corbula, married the senator Lucius Annius Vinicianus. Domitia's father Corbulo had been one of Rome's most respected Senators and generals, serving as consul under Caligula, and conducting military campaigns in Germania and Parthia under Claudius and Nero.^[1] Following the failed Pisonian conspiracy against Emperor Nero in 65 however, Corbulo was disgraced when his family was brought in connection to the conspirators. Corbulo himself was forced to commit suicide, while Annius Vicinianus and his brother Annius Pollio, were executed in the ensueing purges.^[2]

Little is known about the life of Domitia before her marriage to Domitian, but sometime before 70, Domitia was married to Lucius Aelius Lamia, a man of senatorial rank.^[3]

Marriage to Domitian

Reign of Vespasian and Titus

Following Nero's suicide on June 9, 68, the Roman Empire plunged into a year long civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors, which saw the successive rise and fall of the Emperors Galba, Otho and Vitellius. The crisis came to an end with the accession of Vespasian, who re-established peace in the Empire and founded the shortlived Flavian dynasty. In 71, Vespasian attempted to arrange a dynastic marriage between his youngest son Domitian, and the daughter of his eldest son Titus, Julia Flavia.^[5] By this time however, Domitian had already met and fallen in love with Domitia Longina, and managed to persuade Lamia to divorce her, so that Domitian could marry her himself.^[5] Despite its initial recklesness, the alliance was very prestigious for both families. The new marriage rehabilitated Corbulo's family, while serving the broader Flavian propaganda of the time, which sought to diminish Vespasian's political success under the less reputable emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Instead connections to Claudius and Britannicus were emphasised, and Nero's victims, or those otherwise disadvantaged by him, rehabilitated.^[2]

In 73, Domitia and Domitian's only attested son was born. It is not known what the boy's name was, but he died in infancy sometime between 77 and 81.^[6] During this time, Domitian's role in the Flavian government was largely ceremonial. While his elder brother Titus shared almost equal powers with his father, Domitian was left with honours but no responsibilities.^[7] This situation remained unchanged when Titus succeeded Vespasian as Emperor on June 23 79, leading both ancient and modern authors to suggest a mutual animosity between the two brothers. In 80, Titus granted a suffect consulship to Domitia's former husband Aelius Lamia, according to Gsell as a personal insult against Domitian.^[8] On another occassion, when Titus urged Lamia to marry again, Lamia asked whether "he too was looking for a wife".^[9]

After barely two years in office, Titus unexpectedly died of brain fever on September 13, 81. His last words were reported to have been: "I have made but one mistake".^[10] The contemporary historian Suetonius speculated on the possible involvement of Domitian in his brother's death, attributing his final words to a popular rumour of the time, which held that Titus had carried on an affair with Domitia Longina. However even he dismisses the story as highly unlikely.^[10]^[6]

On September 14, the Roman Senate confirmed Domitian as Titus' successor, granting tribunician power, the office of Pontifex Maximus, and the titles of Augustus, and Pater Patriae. Consequently, Domitia Longina became Empress of Rome.

Empress of Rome

Shortly following his accession as Emperor, Domitian bestowed the honorific title of Augusta upon Domitia, while their late son was deified. Both appeared on Domitian's coinage during this time.

Nevertheless, the marriage appears to have faced a significant crisis in 83. For reasons unknown, Domitian briefly exiled Domitia, and then soon recalled her, either out of love or amidst rumours he was carrying on a relationship with his niece Julia Flavia.^[11] According to Suetonius, Domitia was exiled because of an affair with a famous actor named Paris. When Domitian found out, he allegedly murdered Paris in the street, and promptly divorced his wife. Suetonius further adds that, once Domitia was exiled, Domitian took Julia as his mistress, who later died during a failed abortion.^[12] Modern historians consider this highly implausible however, noting that many of these stories were propagated by hostile senatorial authors, who condemned Domitian as a tyrant after his death. Malicious rumours, such as those concerning Domitia's alleged infidelity, were useful to demonstrate the hypocrisy of a ruler publicly preaching a return to Augustan morals, while privately indulging in excesses and presiding over a corrupt court.^[13]

Domitian did exile his wife, but Jones argues that most likely he did so for her failure to produce an heir.^[6] Nevertheless, rumours regarding Domitia's alleged misconduct with Paris circulated even in Domitian's time, and he did not take insults directed at his marriage lightly. Not long after his accession, Aelius Lamia was put to death for the joking remarks made earlier during the reign of Titus.^[14] In 93, a son of Helvidius Priscus was executed for having composed a farce satirizing Domitian's separation from his wife. Stories of Domitian's affair with Julia were likely an invention of post-Domitianic writers however.^[15] She died a natural death, and was subsequently deified by Domitian.^[11]

Once recalled, Domitia continued to live with Domitian for the remainder of his reign without incident.^[16] Little is known of Domitia's precise activities as Empress, or how much influence she wielded in Domitian's government, but it seems her role was largely limited to ceremonial appearances. From Suetonius, we know that she at least accompanied the Emperor to the theatre, while the Jewish writer Josephus speaks of benefits he received from her.^[17] Despite the crisis of 83, their relationship appears to have been happy. Domitian never married another woman in his life.

Later years

On September 18 96, Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy organized by court officials. The same day, he was succeeded by his friend and advisor, Marcus Cocceius Nerva. Ancient sources have implicated Domitia in the plot to kill her husband, either by direct involvement, or advance awareness of the assassination.

After 126 and before 140, there was a temple dedicated to Domitia in Gabii. Years after Domitian's death, Domitia still referred to herself as an Emperor’s wife. She died peacefully.

In later arts

The Roman Actor, a Caroline era stage play, written by Philip Massinger, concerning the alleged affair between Domitia Longina and Paris.
Domitia and Domitian (2000), a historical novel by David Corson based on historical works by Brian Jones and Pat Southern, revolving around the titular characters.

Notes

^ ^a ^b Levick (2002), p. 200
^ ^a ^b Jones (1992), p. 34
^ Levick (2002), p. 201
^ "The Triumph of Titus: an affair on painting". societasviaromana.net. 2007-09-12. Retrieved 2008-06-27. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
^ ^a ^b Jones (1992), p. 33
^ ^a ^b ^c Jones (1993), p. 36 Cite error: The named reference "jones-36" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
^ Jones (1992), p. 18
^ Jones (1992), p. 20
^ Jones (1992), p. 184
^ ^a ^b Suetonius, Life of Titus 10
^ ^a ^b Jones (1992), p. 39
^ Suetonius, Life of Domitian 22
^ Levick (2002), p. 211
^ Jones (1992), p. 185
^ Jones (1992), p. 40
^ Jones (1992), pp. 34–35
^ Jones (1992), p. 37

References

Jones, Brian W. (1992). The Emperor Domitian. London: Routledge. ISBN 0-415-10195-6.
Levick, Barbara (2002). "Corbulo's Daughter". Greece & Rome. 49 (2): pp. 199–211. {{cite journal}}: |pages= has extra text (help)

External links

Primary sources

Cassius Dio, Roman History Book 67, English translation
Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Domitian, Latin text with English translation
Tacitus, Histories, English translation

Secondary material

Lendering, Jona (2006-07-17). "Domitia Longina". Livius.org. Retrieved 2008-06-26. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
Donahue, John (1997-10-10). "Titus Flavius Domitianus (A.D. 81-96)". De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families. Retrieved 2007-02-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)

Preceded by Galeria Fundana	Empress of Rome 81–96	Succeeded by Pompeia Plotina

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Domitia_Longina&oldid=222379237"

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@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 In 73, Domitia and Domitian's only attested son was born. It is not known what the boy's name was, but he died in infancy sometime between 77 and 81.<ref name=jones-36>Jones (1993), p. 36</ref> During this time, Domitian's role in the Flavian government was largely [[ceremony|ceremonial]]. While his elder brother Titus shared almost equal powers with his father, Domitian was left with honours but no responsibilities.<ref>Jones (1992), p. 18</ref> This situation remained unchanged when Titus succeeded Vespasian as Emperor on [[June 23]] [[79]], leading both ancient and modern authors to suggest a mutual animosity between the two brothers. In 80, Titus granted a [[Roman consul|suffect consulship]] to Domitia's former husband Aelius Lamia, according to Gsell as a personal insult against Domitian.<ref>Jones (1992), p. 20</ref> On another occassion, when Titus urged Lamia to marry again, Lamia asked whether "he too was looking for a wife".<ref>Jones (1992), p. 184</ref>
-After barely two years in office, Titus unexpectedly died of brain fever on [[September 13]], [[81]]. His last words were reported to have been: "I have made but one mistake".<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>  The contemporary historian [[Suetonius]] speculated on the possible involvement of Domitian in his brother's death, attributing his final words to a popular rumour of the time, which held that Titus had carried on an affair with Domitia Longina. However even he dismisses the story as highly unlikely.<ref name="suetonius-titus-10"/><ref name=jones-36>Jones (1992), p. 36</ref>
+After barely two years in office, Titus unexpectedly died of brain fever on [[September 13]], [[81]]. His last words were reported to have been: "I have made but one mistake".<ref name="suetonius-titus-10">Suetonius, Life of Titus [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Titus*.html#10 10]</ref>  The contemporary historian [[Suetonius]] speculated on the possible involvement of Domitian in his brother's death, attributing his final words to a popular rumour of the time, which held that Titus had carried on an affair with Domitia Longina. However even he dismisses the story as highly unlikely.<ref name="suetonius-titus-10"/><ref name=jones-36>Jones (1992), p. 36</ref>
 On [[September 14]], the [[Roman Senate]] confirmed Domitian as Titus' successor, granting tribunician power, the office of [[Pontifex Maximus]], and the titles of ''[[Augustus (honorific)|Augustus]]'', and ''[[Pater Patriae]]''. Consequently, Domitia Longina became Empress of Rome.
 === Empress of Rome ===
-[[Image:Domitian Domitia aureus.png|thumb|300px|right|Roman [[aureus]] minted in 83 during the reign of [[Domitian]]. Domitia appears on the reverse with the honorific title ''[[Augusta (honorific)|Augusta]]''.]]
+[[Image:Domitian Domitia aureus.png|thumb|330px|right|Roman [[aureus]] minted in 83 during the reign of [[Domitian]]. Domitia appears on the reverse with the honorific title ''[[Augusta (honorific)|Augusta]]''.]]
 Shortly following his accession as Emperor, Domitian bestowed the honorific title of ''[[Augusta (honorific)|Augusta]]'' upon Domitia, while their late son was [[apotheosis|deified]]. Both appeared on Domitian's coinage during this time.
+Nevertheless, the marriage appears to have faced a significant crisis in 83. For reasons unknown, Domitian briefly [[exile]]d Domitia, and then soon recalled her, either out of love or amidst rumours he was carrying on a relationship with his niece Julia Flavia.<ref name=jones-39>Jones (1992), p. 39</ref> According to Suetonius, Domitia was exiled because of an affair with a famous actor named [[Paris (actor under Domitian)|Paris]]. When Domitian found out, he allegedly murdered Paris in the street, and promptly divorced his wife. Suetonius further adds that, once Domitia was exiled, Domitian took Julia as his mistress, who later died during a failed [[abortion]].<ref name="suetonius-domitian-22">Suetonius, Life of Domitian [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Domitian*.html#22 22]</ref> Modern historians consider this highly implausible however, noting that many of these stories were propagated by hostile senatorial authors, who condemned Domitian as a [[tyrant]] after his death. Malicious rumours, such as those concerning Domitia's alleged infidelity, were useful to demonstrate the [[hypocrisy]] of a ruler publicly preaching a return to [[Augustus|Augustan]] morals, while privately indulging in excesses and presiding over a corrupt [[court]].<ref>Levick (2002), p. 211</ref>
-Domitian was fond of Domitia and they travelled together. Domitia in [[83]] had an affair with an actor called [[Paris (actor under Domitian)|Paris]]. Suetonius states that Domitian was a womaniser and was always accompanied by other women. There were times Domitia would join Domitian and his mistresses. Domitia was not jealous, yet the Emperor did not tolerate his wife having affairs. Paris was executed, Domitia was exiled and Domitian divorced Domitia.
+Domitian did exile his wife, but Jones argues that most likely he did so for her failure to produce an [[heir]].<ref name=jones-36/> Nevertheless, rumours regarding Domitia's alleged misconduct with Paris circulated even in Domitian's time, and he did not take insults directed at his marriage lightly. Not long after his accession, Aelius Lamia was put to death for the joking remarks made earlier during the reign of Titus.<ref name=jones-185>Jones (1992), p. 185</ref> In 93, a son of [[Helvidius Priscus]] was executed for having composed a [[farce]] satirizing Domitian's separation from his wife. Stories of Domitian's affair with Julia were likely an invention of post-Domitianic writers however.<ref name=jones-40>Jones (1992), p. 40</ref> She died a natural death, and was subsequently deified by Domitian.<ref name=jones-39/>
-During her exile, she remained close to Roman Politics. Domitian in [[91]], recalled Domitia from exile to [[Rome]] as a Roman Empress. Suetonius stated when Domitian wanted to reunite with Domitia, he describe it as ''‘a recall to my divine bed’''.
+Once recalled, Domitia continued to live with Domitian for the remainder of his reign without incident.<ref>Jones (1992), pp. 34&ndash;35</ref> Little is known of Domitia's precise activities as Empress, or how much influence she wielded in Domitian's government, but it seems her role was largely limited to ceremonial appearances. From Suetonius, we know that she at least accompanied the Emperor to the [[Amphitheatre|theatre]], while the [[Judaism|Jewish]] writer [[Flavius Josephus|Josephus]] speaks of benefits he received from her.<ref name=jones-37>Jones (1992), p. 37</ref> Despite the crisis of 83, their relationship appears to have been happy. Domitian never married another woman in his life.
 == Later years ==
-On [[September 18]] [[96]], Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy, and succeeded by his friend and advisor, [[Nerva|Marcus Cocceius Nerva]]. After [[126]] and before [[140]], there was a temple dedicated to Domitia in [[Gabii]]. Years after Domitian's death, Domitia still referred to herself as an Emperor’s wife. She died peacefully. Some coins of her were minted during Domitian’s reign.
+On [[September 18]] [[96]], Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy organized by court officials. The same day, he was succeeded by his friend and advisor, [[Nerva|Marcus Cocceius Nerva]].  Ancient sources have implicated Domitia in the plot to kill her husband, either by direct involvement, or advance awareness of the assassination.
+After [[126]] and before [[140]], there was a temple dedicated to Domitia in [[Gabii]]. Years after Domitian's death, Domitia still referred to herself as an Emperor’s wife. She died peacefully.
+== In later arts ==
+* ''[[The Roman Actor]]'', a [[Caroline era]] stage play, written by [[Philip Massinger]], concerning the alleged affair between Domitia Longina and Paris.
+* ''[[Domitia and Domitian]]'' (2000), a historical novel by [[David Corson]] based on historical works by Brian Jones and Pat Southern, revolving around the titular characters.
 == Notes ==
@@ Line 36: / Line 44: @@
 == 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 | last = Jones | first = Brian W. | title = The Emperor Domitian | publisher = Routledge | year = 1992 | location = London | isbn = 0-415-10195-6 }}
-*{{ cite journal | last = Levick | first = Barbara | authorlink = Barbara Levick | title = Corbulo's Daughter | journal = Greece & Rome | volume = 49 | issue = 2 | year = 2002 | pages = pp. 199&ndash;211 | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0017-3835%28200210%292%3A49%3A2%3C199%3ACD%3E2.0.CO%3B2-%23 | accessdate = | doi = }}
+* {{ cite journal | last = Levick | first = Barbara | authorlink = Barbara Levick | title = Corbulo's Daughter | journal = Greece & Rome | volume = 49 | issue = 2 | year = 2002 | pages = pp. 199&ndash;211 | url = http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0017-3835%28200210%292%3A49%3A2%3C199%3ACD%3E2.0.CO%3B2-%23 | accessdate = | doi = }}
+== Further reading ==
+* {{cite book |last=Southern |first=Pat |title=Domitian: Tragic Tyrant |year=1997 |publisher=Routledge |location=London |isbn=0-415-16525-3 }}
 == External links ==
 === Primary sources ===
 * [[Cassius Dio]], [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/67*.html ''Roman History'' Book 67], English translation
-* [[Suetonius]], [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Domitian*.html ''The lives of Twelve Caesars'', Life of Domitian], Latin text with English translation
+* [[Suetonius]], [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Domitian*.html ''The Lives of Twelve Caesars'', Life of Domitian], Latin text with English translation
 * [[Tacitus]], [[s:Histories (Tacitus)|''Histories'']], English translation