Titus

Born Titus Flavius Vespasianus in Rome. His father Vespasian was a military man of modest origins, not yet emperor. Titus was educated alongside Claudius's son Britannicus at the imperial court.

Commanded a legion in his father's campaign to suppress the Jewish revolt in Judaea. After Vespasian left to claim the throne, Titus took command of the siege of Jerusalem. He was 28.

Destroyed the Second Temple in Jerusalem after a five-month siege. The Temple burned. 1.1 million Jews died according to Josephus. The Arch of Titus in Rome still commemorates the sacking of the city's treasures.

Became emperor after his father Vespasian died. The first Roman emperor to succeed his biological father. He'd been feared for his ruthlessness. In power, he surprised everyone with generosity.

Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii and Herculaneum. Titus personally directed relief efforts and donated his own funds. Two months later, a fire ravaged Rome for three days. He called it his personal loss.

Inaugurated the Colosseum, built atop the site of Nero's private lake. The opening games lasted 100 days. 9,000 animals were killed. He was giving Rome back to the people.

Died of fever at 41, after only two years as emperor. "I have made but one mistake," he supposedly said on his deathbed. He didn't say what it was. His brother Domitian succeeded him.