Titus

in full Titus Vespasianus Augustus

(born Dec. 30, AD 39—died Sept. 13, 81) Roman emperor (79–81). He commanded a Roman legion in Judaea under his father, Vespasian. After Vespasian became emperor (69), he gave Titus full command in Judaea, whereupon Titus captured and destroyed Jerusalem (70). He later took charge of the empire's general military operations. As emperor he developed goodwill in Rome for his extravagant spending; his projects included the completion of the Colosseum. He died suddenly, probably from natural causes, though there were rumours that he was poisoned by Domitian.

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