Emperor Titus

Hello! My name is Titus Flavius Vespasianus, but you may call me Titus. I was born in the great city of Rome on December 30th, in the year 39. My father, Vespasian, was a very important man in Rome—a respected soldier and politician. Because of his work, I was lucky enough to grow up around the emperor's court. I even became good friends with the emperor’s son, a boy named Britannicus. Being so close to the center of power taught me a lot. From a very young age, I learned what it meant to be a soldier and a leader, and I knew my life would be one of service to the Roman Empire.

When I was a young man, I followed in my father’s footsteps and joined the Roman army. My service took me to faraway lands, including Germania and Britannia, where I learned to be a strong commander. My greatest military test came later, after my father became the emperor in the year 69. He gave me a very important task: to end the long and difficult war happening in a province called Judaea. The key was capturing the city of Jerusalem. In the year 70, after a long and difficult siege where my soldiers surrounded the city, we finally achieved victory. It was a major accomplishment for Rome. When I returned home, I was celebrated as a hero, and I spent the next years helping my father rule the empire.

In the year 79, my dear father passed away, and it became my turn to lead. I was so proud to become the new emperor of Rome. One of the first things I wanted to do was complete a special project that my father had started for the people. It was a huge stone arena, a type of building called an amphitheater, for everyone to enjoy. Today, you know it by its famous name: the Colosseum. In the year 80, we held a grand opening celebration that lasted for 100 days. There were thrilling games and exciting shows for all the citizens of Rome. It was a joyful time for our city.

Although my time as emperor began with celebration, it was very short and soon filled with great challenges. Just two months after I took the throne, in August of the year 79, a powerful volcano named Mount Vesuvius erupted with incredible force. Its ash and rock completely buried the nearby towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. I knew I had to help my people, so I traveled there myself to organize rescue efforts and aid for the survivors. The challenges continued the next year. In the year 80, a terrible fire broke out in Rome and burned for three whole days, destroying many homes and temples. To help rebuild the city, I used money from my very own palaces to care for those who had lost everything. I always believed that an emperor's most important job is to take care of his people.

I lived to be 41 years old, and my life came to an end in the year 81. Even though my time as emperor was brief, I hope that I am remembered as a ruler who was kind and generous, especially when my people faced hardship. Some people even called me 'the darling of mankind' because I truly cared for them. Today, if you visit Rome, you can still see the mighty Colosseum. You can also see the Arch of Titus, a monument that was built to remember my military victory in Judaea. These incredible structures stand as reminders of my family's time helping to lead the great Roman Empire.