May
28
/ 2025
Despite being one of ancient Rome’s most beloved emperors, Titus has garnered only limited interest from modern historians. The reason is likely due to his incredibly short imperial tenure—a little over two years (79-81 AD), but his battlefield successes have proven unforgettable. Titus enjoyed not one—but two—triumphal arches in Rome celebrating his victories in the First Jewish War, although only one of the arches is still extant (Josephus recorded an extended narrative highlighting Titus’ martial exploits). Given all of this, Titus has been remembered as a great commander, but a closer reading of the ancient texts reveals a different story. While incredibly accomplished, Titus at times demonstrated himself to be an inexperienced, headstrong, and impetuous general - a stronger commander
