Orichalcum Dupondius, A.D. 80, Rome, 28.0mm, 13.80g, 180°, RIC II 111a.
Obv: IMP T CAES VESP AVG P M TR P COS VIII. Radiate head right.
Rev: CERES AVGVST. Ceres standing left with ears of corn and scepter; SC in field.
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Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus was Roman Emperor from 79 to 81. Prior to becoming emperor, Titus gained renown as a military commander, serving under his father Vespasian in Judaea during the First Jewish-Roman War. He also gained notoriety in Rome serving as prefect of the Praetorian Guard, and for carrying on a controversial relationship with the Jewish queen Berenice. Vespasian died of an infection on June 23 79 AD, and was immediately succeeded by his son Titus.

Although his administration was marked by a relative absence of major military or political conflicts, Titus faced a number of major disasters during his brief reign. On August 24, 79, two months after his accession, Mount Vesuvius erupted, resulting in the almost complete destruction of life and property in the cities and resort communities around the Bay of Naples. Titus appointed two ex-consuls to organize and coordinate the relief effort, while personally donating large amounts of money from the imperial treasury to aid the victims of the volcano. He is also remembered for completing construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum, which began in A.D. 70 under his father.

The dedication of the amphitheatre was to be his final recorded act as an emperor. He set out for the Sabine territories and fell ill at the first posting station where he died of a fever. He was succeeded by his brother Domitian, whose first act as emperor was to deify his brother. Some historians believe he may have been poisoned by Domitian. Allegedly, his enigmatic last words were “I have made but one mistake”.

Despite initial concerns over his character, Titus ruled to great acclaim and was considered a good emperor by Suetonius and other contemporaries.