The Rise and Fall of Domitian

Domitian tried to return the Romans to their traditional, conservative family values. The old ways were dead and threatening to execute people for cheating on their wives was not going to change that. In 85 AD, Domitian named himself censor in perpetuity, which gave him authority to legislate public morality. Adultery once again became a banishable offense,. consorting with the Vestal virgins became a capital crime. An equestrian found himself stricken from the juror pool for remarrying an ex-wife. A senator was expelled from the body for acting on stage - even worse than prostitution.