Domitianus

This article relates to a usurper of the IIIe century. For the emperor of the Ier century, to see Domitien.

Domitianus (Latin: Imperator Caesar Domitianvs Pivs Felix Avgvstvs ) was a Roman military officer who proclaimed emperor within the Empire of Gaules. A long time doubtful, its existence was confirmed by a first currency found close to Nantes in 1900, lost then found, and another found in England in 2003. These currencies were struck with Trier, where the capital and the monetary workshop of the Gallic emperors were located. The reign, undoubtedly short, of Domitianus most probably fits in 271 between that of Victorinus and that of Tetricus (its currencies present with theirs of strong similarities). It is known that this last, nonmilitary, was selected whereas it was still in Aquitaine and that this choice was disputed (like almost all the duration of its reign) by certain parts of the army. It is thus extremely possible that after the murder of Victorinus by one of its soldiers, dissatisfied with the choice of Tetricus, part of the troops raised Domitianus with the rank of emperor, but whom it was rather quickly eliminated.

One can thus think that this Domitianus is the same one as Domitianus mentioned by Zosime (I, 49,2), as a usurper under the reign of Aurélien and placed chronologically of the beginning of his reign (towards 271).

Lastly, this can Domitianus be identified with the officer of Gallien, which with its superior Auréolus eliminated Macrien in Illyrie in 261? Although nothing is sure, Domitianus being a name enough running, the thing is nevertheless very possible. Auréolus, sent in 267 to Milan by Gallien to keep Italy of North against a possible attack of Postumus, made an agreement with this last and even made mint with its name. It is probable that it sent troops to him, with perhaps at their head Domitianus (even Victorinus), before being cut down in 268. Domitianus would consequently have become one of the great military figures of the Empire of Gaules.

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