AD 81

Events

By place

Roman Empire

• September 14 - Domitian succeeds his brother Titus as emperor. Domitian is not a soldier like his two predecessors, and his administration is directed towards the reinforcement of a monarchy. By taking the title of Dominus, he scandalizes the senatorial aristocracy. Romanisation progresses in the provinces, and life in the cities is greatly improved. Many provincials - Spanish, Gallic, and African - become Senators.
• The Arch of Titus is constructed.
• Pliny the Younger is flamen Divi Augusti.

  By topic

Commerce

• The silver content of the Roman denarius rises to 92% under emperor Domitian, up from 81% in the reign of Vitellius.

  Religion

• Possible date of the First Epistle of Peter.

Births

• Deng Sui, Chinese empress of the Han Dynasty

  Deaths

• September 13 - Titus, Roman emperor
• Artabanus III, king of the Parthian Empire