Flavian Dynasty Family Tree Clarified: Examined closely at "Those About to Die"
Rome was under the Flavian dynasty for more than thirty rather prosperous years. The Peacock series "Those About to Die" centers on a select handful of important members of this convoluted dynasty. Though its rule was rather brief, the Flavian dynasty had a profound influence on Rome. The Flavian dynasty's family tree will be discussed in this paper together with the significance of the characters in the "Those About to Die" series.
Vespasian: The Flavian Dynasty Patriarch
Sir Anthony Hopkins portrays Flavian dynasty patriarch Vespasian in the series. Following the Year of Four Emperors, Vespasian is the last man standing and helped Rome to heal following a turbulent period. Four men ascended the throne in rapid succession following the death of Nero, ending with Vespasian, who governed for ten years prior. Though the show does not note that Vespasian most certainly had dysentery or typhoid, he died in the show with a similar cause of death as historical accounts. Accurate historical records include his will to die standing up and his proclamation of becoming a god. The actual Vespasian had two quite different sons, unlike the Vespasian on the show. Finally he decided on Titus, a warrior just like him.
Deified Flavian Matriarch Domitilla the Elder
In "Those About to Die," the Flavian women are not particularly important. Domitilla The Elder isn't a character at all, actually. Given that the series features strong women, the emphasis is totally on the Flavian men—a little odd. Domitilla the Elder passed away historically before Vespasian ever ascended to the throne. Other than she and their daughter, Domitilla the Younger, both passed before Vespasian became emperor, not much is known about her death. Domitilla the Elder was deified and given the name Diva Domitilla once the Flavian dynasty came to rule Rome. Under her deified name, her eldest son Titus had her likeness printed on coins during his rule.
Titus: Flavian Emperor and Leader
Tom Hughes performs Titus, the eldest son of Vespasian, in "Those About to Die". Like his father, he is a soldier and Roman legions commander. Titus is not a supporter of political schemes even if he does not hate the concept of being emperor. Since gladiatorial fighting at the Circus Maximus is more of an entertainment and sport than a battle, he finds it offensive.
On the series, Titus succeeds his father on the throne. His leadership was shockingly successful. Although Roman citizens of the day had heard that Titus was wild and prone to excess, he proved to be a sober and level-headed leader who assisted in rebuilding Rome following the fire and helped the refugees from Pompeii and Herculaneum, which Mount Vesuvius had devastated. To the dismay of Roman people and the Senate, he also continues an affair with the Judean princess Berenice.
Marcia Furnilla is Titus's Bride.
Clélia Zanini's character Marcia is Titus's new bride on the series. She hardly participates at all. After Rome turned against his affair with the Judean queen, Berenice, Titus marries her in order to restore his reputation. While Berenice is pragmatic and recalls what happened with Antony and Cleopatra, Titus is hopeful but knows the Roman people would never accept a foreign queen. Titus thus presents his new bride to the audience at the Circus Maximus in "Those About to Die" episode 5. Marcia seems to be an amalgam of Titus's first wife, Arrecina Tertulla, and his second wife, Marcia Furnilla; she has very little to do in the series. "Those About to Die" makes clear that Titus marries Marcia soon after ascending to emperor, not that he is not married or a father. With regard to Titus's actual background, the show veers wildly. Actually, he was married twice for brief intervals long before he took over as emperor. In 65 AD, Marcia and Titus divorced fourteen years before Titus ascended to throne.
Domitian: The Flavian Family's Politician
Jojo Macari's Domitian is the series' younger son of Vespasian. Unlike his brother Titus, a soldier, he is a politician of the Senate and supervisor of the Circus Maximus. He excels in intelligence and negotiations. While Titus is away battling, Domitian helps his sick father with smart decisions and strategy. The way Vespasian undervalues his abilities despite all he has done for his father pains him.
Domitian was, in real life, just as much a con artist as he was in the show. As seen in the conclusion of "Those About to Die," he also takes the throne following the death of his brother. While on the throne the Senate and Roman nobility hated him, modern historians have been rather forgiving of him. Domitian, governed by a cult of personality, was also credited with stabilizing Rome's economy, rebuilding the burned-through parts, and correcting corruption in the city. Ruling for 15 years, he exceeded both his father's and brother's tenure.
Domitia Longina: Wife of Domitian
Domitian's wife, Domitia Longina, is a character who hasn't yet surfaced in "Those About to Die." She wed Domitian in 71 AD and rose to empress upon his throne ascent in 81 AD. Though their marriage was turbulent, the couple stayed wed until his murder in 96 AD. He banished her in 83 AD allegedly for having an affair with Paris, an actor. Modern academics counter that given Flavius Caesar's death young, it was more likely she failed to produce another heir after their first and only son. Domitian remembered her soon after her banishment. Should "Those About to Die" season 2 feature her, the plot could be rather intriguing.
"Those About to Die": An Overview of Gladiatorial Combat's Brutal World
Set in Rome in 79 AD, "Those About to Die" explores the cruel and multifarious realm of gladiatorial combat. The show looks at the sinister side of Roman entertainment, where the promise of free food and blood-soaked events helps to control the restless population. The story revolves on several people from all around the Roman Empire whose lives cross in the great arena.
