Flavian dynasty

The Flavians, although a relatively short-lived dynasty, helped restore stability to an empire on its knees.<ref>[[#Trever|Trever {1939}]], p. 501.</ref> Although all three have been criticised, especially based on their more centralised style of rule, they issued reforms that created a stable enough empire to last well into the 3rd century.<ref>[[#Merivale|Merivale (1865]] pp. 254-255.</ref> However, their background as a military dynasty led to further marginalisation of the Senate, and a conclusive move away from ''princeps'', or first citizen, and toward ''imperator'', or emperor.<ref>[[#Merivale|Merivale (1865)]] p. 255.</ref>

The Flavians, although a relatively short-lived dynasty, helped restore stability to an empire on its knees.<ref>[[#Trever|Trever {1939}]], p. 501.</ref> Although all three have been criticised, especially based on their more centralised style of rule, they issued reforms that created a stable enough empire to last well into the 3rd century.<ref>[[#Merivale|Merivale (1865]] pp. 254-255.</ref> However, their background as a military dynasty led to further marginalisation of the Senate, and a conclusive move away from ''princeps'', or first citizen, and toward ''imperator'', or emperor.<ref>[[#Merivale|Merivale (1865)]] p. 255.</ref>

Many historical records of the Flavian period, especially a large portion of Tacitus's Histories were lost and other contemporary authors wrote comparatively little about this period. Later essays and more indirect sources such as coins and inscriptions are used for the history of this period.<ref>[[#Merivale|Merivale (1865)]], pp. 256-257.</ref> Vespasian's government is best known for financial reforms following the demise of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.{{cn|date=June 2025}} Vespasian was noted for his mildness and for loyalty to the people.<ref>Cary (1954), p. 607.</ref> For example, much money was spent on public works and the restoration and beautification of Rome: a new forum, the Temple of Peace, the public baths and the Colosseum.<ref>[[#Grant|Grant (1996)]] p. 224.</ref>

Many historical records of the Flavian period, especially a large portion of [[Histories (Tacitus)|Tacitus's Histories]], were lost and other contemporary authors wrote comparatively little about this period. Later essays and more indirect sources such as coins and inscriptions are used for the history of this period.<ref>[[#Merivale|Merivale (1865)]], pp. 256-257.</ref> Vespasian's government is best known for financial reforms following the demise of the Julio-Claudian dynasty.{{cn|date=June 2025}} Vespasian was noted for his mildness and for loyalty to the people.<ref>Cary (1954), p. 607.</ref> For example, much money was spent on public works and the restoration and beautification of Rome: a new forum, the Temple of Peace, the public baths and the Colosseum.<ref>[[#Grant|Grant (1996)]] p. 224.</ref>

Titus's record among ancient historians stands as one of the most exemplary of any emperor. All the surviving accounts from this period, many of them written by his own contemporaries such as [[Suetonius|Suetonius Tranquillus]], [[Cassius Dio]], and [[Pliny the Elder]], present a highly favourable view towards Titus. His character has especially prospered in comparison with that of his brother Domitian.<ref>Cary (1954), pp. 607-609.</ref> In contrast to the ideal portrayal of Titus in Roman histories, in Jewish memory "Titus the Wicked" is remembered as an evil oppressor and destroyer of the Temple.<ref>[[#Jacobs|Jacobs]]</ref><ref>[[#OU Staff|OU Staff]]</ref> For example, one legend in the Babylonian Talmud describes Titus as having had sex with a whore on a Torah scroll inside the Temple during its destruction.<ref>Babylonian Talmud (Gittin 56b)</ref>

Titus's record among ancient historians stands as one of the most exemplary of any emperor. All the surviving accounts from this period, many of them written by his own contemporaries such as [[Suetonius|Suetonius Tranquillus]], [[Cassius Dio]], and [[Pliny the Elder]], present a highly favourable view towards Titus. His character has especially prospered in comparison with that of his brother Domitian.<ref>Cary (1954), pp. 607-609.</ref> In contrast to the ideal portrayal of Titus in Roman histories, in Jewish memory "Titus the Wicked" is remembered as an evil oppressor and destroyer of the Temple.<ref>[[#Jacobs|Jacobs]]</ref><ref>[[#OU Staff|OU Staff]]</ref> For example, one legend in the Babylonian Talmud describes Titus as having had sex with a whore on a Torah scroll inside the Temple during its destruction.<ref>Babylonian Talmud (Gittin 56b)</ref>