1. Suetonius’s Suggestion of Suspicion
In his biography of Domitian, the historian Suetonius makes mention of the fact that Domitian was widely rumored to have been involved in the death of Titus. Suetonius notes that Domitian had a reputation for ambition and that he had been eager to take the throne. According to this theory, Domitian may have seen his brother's unexpected death as an opportunity to seize power. However, Suetonius also acknowledges that no direct evidence linked Domitian to Titus's death, and the possibility of natural causes cannot be ruled out.
2. Tacitus and the Political Context
The Roman historian Tacitus provides another perspective on the political climate of the time. He writes that Domitian’s personality and his increasing authoritarian behavior became apparent after he ascended to the throne. Tacitus suggests that Domitian’s rule was marked by a more despotic and repressive approach compared to Titus’s generally more popular reign. However, Tacitus also does not offer conclusive proof that Domitian was responsible for Titus's death, though he implies that Domitian's rise to power may have been facilitated by the untimely death of his brother.
3. The Lack of Direct Evidence
Despite the rumors, there is a significant lack of direct evidence to support the idea that Domitian was responsible for Titus’s death. Ancient historians, including Suetonius and Tacitus, offer circumstantial evidence and speculation, but none provide a clear, smoking-gun account. The possibility that Titus simply succumbed to illness, as described in the official accounts, remains a viable explanation. shutdown123