Page "Domitian" Paragraph 2

As Emperor, Domitian strengthened the economy by revaluing the Roman coinage, expanded the border defenses of the Empire, and initiated a massive building program to restore the damaged city of Rome.

Significant wars were fought in Britain, where his general Agricola attempted to conquer Caledonia ( Scotland ), and in Dacia, where Domitian was unable to procure a decisive victory against king Decebalus.

Domitian's government exhibited totalitarian characteristics ; he saw himself as the new Augustus, an enlightened despot destined to guide the Roman Empire into a new era of brilliance.

Religious, military, and cultural propaganda fostered a cult of personality, and by nominating himself perpetual censor, he sought to control public and private morals.

As a consequence, Domitian was popular with the people and army but considered a tyrant by members of the Roman Senate.

According to Suetonius, he was the first Roman Emperor who had demanded to be addressed as dominus et deus ( master and god ).