Domitian of Huy

Domitian of Huy (also, of Maestricht) was a Gaulish bishop of the sixth century who is noted for both his generosity and writings against heresy. He is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

Life

Domitian was the bishop of Tongeren, in modern-day Belgium. He is notable for speaking out convincingly against heretics and pagans, especially at the Fifth Council of Orléans in 549. He encouraged the development of polemic against heresy in the early church, and worked to evangelize the Meuse Valley. He is occasionally referred to as the Apostle of the Meuse Valley for his efforts there.

Domitian also constructed churches and hospices in order to care for people spiritually and physically. He was well known for his generosity, as well as his ability to procure money via fund-raising, a talent that once helped to ease a famine in his bishopric.

Veneration

Domitian's relics are kept and venerated at Huy, Belgium, the city of which he is now the patron saint. He is also invoked against fevers.

Domitian

Domitian (/dəˈmɪʃən, -iən/; Latin: Titus Flavius Caesar Domitianus Augustus; 24 October 51 – 18 September 96) was Roman emperor from 81 to 96. Domitian was the third and last emperor of the Flavian dynasty.

Domitian's youth and early career were largely spent in the shadow of his brother Titus, who gained military renown during the First Jewish–Roman War. This situation continued under the rule of his father Vespasian, who became emperor in 69 following the civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. While Titus held a great many offices under the rule of his father, Domitian was left with honours but no responsibilities. Vespasian died in 79 and was succeeded by Titus, whose own reign came to an unexpected end when he was struck by a fatal illness in 81. The following day Domitian was declared Emperor by the Praetorian Guard, commencing a reign that lasted fifteen years – longer than any man who had ruled since Tiberius.

As Emperor, Domitian strengthened the economy by revaluing the Roman coinage, expanded the border defenses of the Empire, and initiated a massive building program to restore the damaged city of Rome. Significant wars were fought in Britain, where his general Agricola attempted to conquer Caledonia (Scotland), and in Dacia, where Domitian was unable to procure a decisive victory against king Decebalus. Domitian's government exhibited totalitarian characteristics; he saw himself as the new Augustus, an enlightened despot destined to guide the Roman Empire into a new era of brilliance. Religious, military, and cultural propaganda fostered a cult of personality, and by nominating himself perpetual censor, he sought to control public and private morals. As a consequence, Domitian was popular with the people and army but considered a tyrant by members of the Roman Senate.

Domitian (disambiguation)

Domitian was a Roman emperor of the Flavian dynasty who reigned 81–96.

Domitian or Domitianus may also refer to: