Leonard L. Thompson argues that the Book of Revelation was written during the reign of Domitian (81–96 AD). From the middle down to the last quarter of the first century, extensive persecutions were carried out throughout the Empire, although they were sporadic. Most were initiated by local governors, who were expected to keep their cities "pacate atque quita" ("settled and orderly"). As pressure from the demands of the citizens to get rid of the Christians became harder to ignore or control, they were driven to acquiesce.