Titus (Emperor)

Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus, commonly known as Titus (December 30,39, - September 13,81), was a Roman Emperor who briefly reigned from 79 until his death in 81. Titus was the second of the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the Roman Empire between 69 and 96, encompassing the reign's of Titus's father Vespasian (69 - 79), Titus himself (79 - 81) and his younger brother Domitian (81 - 96).

Prior to becoming emperor, Titus gained renown as a military commander, serving under his father in Judea during the First Jewish-Roman War, which was fought between 67 and 70. The campaign came to a brief halt with the death of emperor Nero on June 9,68, launching Vespasian's bid for the imperial power during The Year of the Four Emperors. When Vespasian was declared emperor on December 21,69, Titus was left in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion, which he did in 70, successfully besieging and destroying the city and Temple of Jerusalem. For this achievement Titus was awarded a triumph; the Arch of Titus commemorates his victory to this day.