Anastasius I Dicorus vs Domitian

Anastasius I fought a six-year war against the Isaurians, who had been a powerful faction in the empire. The war ended with the defeat of the Isaurian rebels and the removal of their influence from Constantinople. This strengthened Anastasius's control and reduced internal instability.

Anastasius I abolished the chrysargyron, a hated tax on trade and commerce that was collected every four years. The tax was widely resented for its harsh collection methods. Its abolition was celebrated by the population and improved economic conditions in the empire.

Anastasius I implemented a major monetary reform, introducing the follis, a large copper coin, and standardizing the bronze coinage. This reform stabilized the Byzantine economy, improved trade, and left the imperial treasury with a substantial surplus at his death.

Anastasius I ordered the construction of the Anastasian Wall, a long defensive wall stretching across the Thracian peninsula to protect Constantinople from barbarian invasions. The wall was 56 kilometers long and fortified with towers and forts, though it was later abandoned as impractical.

Upon Titus's sudden death, Domitian became emperor, the third of the Flavian dynasty. He was the first emperor to take the title 'Dominus et Deus' (Lord and God), emphasizing autocratic rule.

Domitian led a campaign against the Chatti tribe in Germania, extending the Roman frontier. He built the Limes Germanicus, a system of forts and walls, to secure the border.

Domitian expelled philosophers from Rome and persecuted Christians and Jews for refusing to worship the emperor. He executed several senators and confiscated their property, increasing fear.

Domitian built a vast palace on the Palatine Hill, the Domus Augustana, with grand reception halls and gardens. The palace symbolized imperial power and was used by later emperors.

Domitian was assassinated in a palace conspiracy involving his wife Domitia and Praetorian officials. His death ended the Flavian dynasty and led to the accession of Nerva, the first of the Five Good Emperors.