Frontinus and Domitian: the politics of the Strategemata

Abstract

Frontinus’ presentation of Domitian as an exemplary figure in the Strategemata demonstrates his participation in the propaganda for Domitian’s Chattan war of 83, in which he also served. Frontinus composed the Strategemata in this context (rather than later) to capitalise on that propaganda and his own proximity to Domitian to enhance his status as an authoritative author on military strategy. Frontinus did not fall in with the vocal reaction of contemporaries such as Pliny and Tacitus to Domitian after his death. Instrumental in Trajan’s accession, Frontinus was too powerful a figure to need to excuse his past conduct.