From numerous portraits, which have been kept until our times, and from even more numerous coins with her image, we can more or less imagine her face – a self-confident, aloof woman with a strong chin. Domitia came from an outstanding Roman family. Her father Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo was a senator, who during the reign of Emperor Nero was forced to commit suicide. As a young girl she married, but she quickly caught the eye of the son of the then Emperor Vespasian – Domitian. Her previous marriage was annulled and in the year 70 A.D. the wedding of the couple took place. Out of this relationship two children were born, who however, died quickly. Despite all that, their life together was harmonious, and Domitian, as it seems, felt true love for the wife who accompanied him in his numerous trips around the empire. His chances for the imperial throne were slight and after the death of Vespasian, the father’s favored son Titus assumed the throne, and he became a respected and popular ruler. His sudden death surprised everybody and in the year 81 A.D. Domitian became the new emperor, who in time was accompanied by truly black PR as well as widespread dislike of the aristocratic families and senators. On this ground rumors arose, that during the life of Titus, Domitia was unfaithful to her husband with his brother, which turned out to be the direct cause of his sudden death (assumed jealousy). Nevertheless Emperor Domitian continued to treat his wife with respect, while the numerous coins minted in her honor, reflect her rank and position connected with such virtues as harmony, peace and fertility.

Two years later, a true scandal broke out in Rome. It outraged the Romans, perhaps not due to the fact, that Domitia became involved in a stormy affair with an actor named Paris, but due to the punishment which befell the lovers at the hands of the betrayed husband. Domitia received her divorce letter and she was exiled from Rome, while her lover was assassinated. The emperor’s criticism was probably kept up by senators who held him in disfavor, while also giving rise to rumors about rampant sexual life of the emperor himself, although Domitian was rather conservative and very sensitive about morality, both in the empire as well as in his family. However, his cruel, with regards to senators, rule brought him many enemies, willingly conspiring behind his back, who desired his death. The more and more besieged Domitian, was losing the trust of all those who surrounded him. Perhaps this was the reason that ultimately he forgave Domitia her unfaithfulness, called her to him, once again married her, and restored her good name and all privileges which were  guaranteed to an emperor’s wife. Some researchers point to a deep affection of Domitian for his wife, which allowed him to forgive her betrayal, others see quite different motives in his actions. The aristocratic heritage of Domitia and her family origins going back to Julius Cesar, as well as the renown which her family enjoyed, was a key to repair Domitian’s tattered image. Unfavorable surroundings forced him to change his behavior. Forgiving the unfaithful wife and creating an important pillar of dynastic policy was in his interest. At a time when Domitian still had to worry about the conspiracies and enemies, this was a substantial ally. That is why the image of the empress once again appeared on coins, in this way providing the proof of stability of the imperial marriage and the empire itself. However, this did not change the hatred for Domitian, also among the members of his wife’s family.

We also do not know, what kind of a role Domitia played, in another, this time successful conspiracy on the emperor’s life in 96 A.D. It is certain that she took part in it and so she contributed to her husband’s death by stabbing, but was it her will, or was she simply a tool in the hands of her family, that is unknown. Even though Domitian was officially cursed by the Senate, and his name was committed to eternal oblivion, she continued, until her death, to be known as Domitia Domitiani (Domitia, the wife of Domitian). She lived until a very old age. In the city of Gabia, near Rome, most likely after her death, a temple devoted to her was built.