Emperor Titus’ Sole Mistake: A Mysterious Deathbed Confession

A little over two years into his imperial administration, the Roman emperor Titus (r. 79-81 CE) and a retinue of followers traveled to the Sabine countryside for a respite. As they made the overland journey, Titus quickly realized something was amiss. He developed a dangerously high fever, and his servants rushed him toward a farmhouse close to Reate. Along the way, Titus’ condition worsened…