The death of his brother Titus, if not hastened by foul means, was at least eagerly welcomed by Domitian. His succession to the throne (September 13, 81 CE) was unquestioned. He intended to govern well. Like Augustus before him, he attempted to reform morals and religion. He erected many temples and public buildings. For the most part, his military achievements were insignificant.
The revolt of Antonius Saturninus, the commander of the Roman forces in upper Germany (88 or 89), marks a turning point in his reign. The rebellion was quickly crushed, but from then on Domitian's character changed. He acted more and more like a madman. He got rid of all whom he disliked on the charge of having taken part in the conspiracy, and no one of eminence or popularity was safe against him. He lived in constant fear of assasination and distrusted all those around him (including his own family).
There was an oracle which said he would be killed on September 18, 96 CE. As the prophetic date approached, Domitian became increasingly aggitated. He sentenced to death his own cousin and nephew by marriage, Flavius Clemens, whose wife he banished for her alleged leanings toward Judaism (Christianity). He would not rest easily until the prophetic date had passed. His family, aware that their every move could arouse his suspicions, knew they had to act. Domitian was stabbed to death in his bedroom by a freedman of Clemns named Stephanus on September 18, 96 CE, the very date of the prophetic oracle.
