Domitian acquits himself of the task of censor dutifully, and with care.
He renews the Lex Iulia de Adulteriis Coercendis, under which adultery is punishable by exile.
From the list of jurors he strikes an equestrian who had divorced his wife and taken her back, while an ex-quaestor is expelled from the Senate for acting and dancing.
Domitian also heavily prosecutes corruption among public officials, removing jurors if they accepted bribes and rescinding legislation when a conflict of interest is suspected.
He ensures that libelous writings, especially those directed against himself, are punishable by exile or death.
Actors are likewise regarded with suspicion, as their performances provide an opportunity for satire at the expense of the government.
Consequently, he forbids mimes from appearing on stage in public.
In order to appease the people of Rome, an estimated one hundred and thirty-five million sestertii will be spent on donatives, or congiaria, throughout Domitian's reign.
The Emperor also revives the practice of public banquets, which had been reduced to a simple distribution of food under Nero, while he invests large sums on entertainment and games.
In 86, he founds the Capitoline Games, a quadrennial contest comprising athletic displays, chariot racing, and competitions for oratory, music and acting.
Domitian himself supports the travel of competitors from all corners of the Empire to Rome and distributes the prizes.
Innovations are also introduced into the regular gladiatorial games such as naval contests, nighttime battles, and female and dwarf gladiator fights.
Lastly, he adds two new factions to the chariot races, Gold and Purple, to race against the existing White, Red, Green and Blue factions.
The most significant threat the Roman Empire faces during the reign of Domitian arises from the northern provinces of Illyricum, where the Suebi, the Sarmatians and the Dacians continuously harass Roman settlements along the Danube river.
Of these, the Sarmatians and the Dacians pose the most formidable threat.
In approximately 85 or 86 the Dacians, led by Diurpaneus (the later king Decebalus), cross the Danube into the province of Moesia, wreaking havoc and killing the Moesian governor Oppius Sabinus.
Domitian quickly launches a counteroffensive, personally traveling to the region accompanied by a large force commanded by his praetorian prefect Cornelius Fuscus.
