Navmachia Domitiani 18th Century French Engraving, Pierre Mortier. This depicts “Naumachia Domitiani” or Naval Battle of Domitian, Roman Emperor from AD 81 to AD 96 (when he was assassinated). Measures 23x28x2.50". Weight Domitian was not a popular emperor and was considered a tyrant, which led to the plot to end his life. Many emperors held these mock naval battles; the first being held by Julius Caesar in 46 BC as a way to celebrate his triumph in Egypt. A basin would be created where these naval battles would be held and, much like the gladiatorial games, the combatants would be fighting to the death. The particular engraving comes from a book titled Nouveau Theatre D’Italie Ou Description Exacte des ses Villes, Palais, Eglises, Principaux, Edifices, & C., meaning New Theater of Italy, or Description of its Towns, Palaces, Churches, Principal Buildings, etc. It was published ca 1704 by Pierre Mortier, a re-issue with french text of Johannes Bleau’s publication.

watermark