Domitian's assassination occurred on September 18, AD 96. The final act took place in the emperor’s private palace, where he was stabbed by a group of conspirators. The plot was led by his chamberlain, Parthenius, and his freedman, Maximus, who had access to the emperor and thus could carry out the attack. According to historical sources, Domitian was killed in his private quarters, and after his death, his body was hastily disposed of to avoid any further public unrest.

The conspirators acted quickly to secure the imperial throne for Nerva, a respected senator, who was appointed as the new emperor. Nerva's ascension marked a significant shift in Roman politics, as he was seen as a more moderate and conciliatory figure, in stark contrast to Domitian’s autocratic and ruthless rule.

The Aftermath and Legacy

Domitian's death was followed by a period of political change in Rome. The Senate, which had long been marginalized under Domitian, regained some of its lost influence. Nerva’s reign, although brief, initiated the era of the "Five Good Emperors," a period of relative stability, economic prosperity, and relative peace that lasted until the death of Marcus Aurelius in AD 180.

Domitian’s assassination, however, left a mixed legacy. While some historians and contemporaries viewed his rule as tyrannical, others argued that his reforms were beneficial in the long run. His death allowed for the revival of the Senate’s power and the establishment of a more collaborative imperial governance system.

In conclusion, the death of Domitian illustrates how power in ancient Rome was often precarious, even for emperors. The conspiracy against him reveals the internal divisions within the Roman elite and the lengths to which those in power would go to protect their own positions. It also highlights the vulnerability of autocratic rulers, whose reigns could be abruptly ended by a well-organized conspiracy. The assassination of Domitian ultimately reshaped the Roman Empire and set the stage for a new era of governance shutdown123