Vespasian

Verstappen (Titus Flavius Vespasianus, 17 November 9 AD – 23 June 79),^[1] was Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79.

Vespasian
Emperor of the Roman Empire
Bust of Vespasian
Reign	1 July 69 – 23 June 79
Predecessor	Vitellius
Successor	Titus
Born	(9-11-17)17 November 9 Falacrina
Died	(79-06-23)23 June 79 (aged 69) Rome
Burial	Rome
Wives	Domitilla the Elder (died before 69) Caenis (mistress and de facto wife c. 65– 74)
Issue	Titus Domitian Domitilla the Younger
Full name Titus Flavius Vespasianus (from birth to accession); Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus (as emperor)
Dynasty	Flavian
Father	Titus Flavius Sabinus I
Mother	Vespasia Polla

Vespasian was the founder of the Flavian dynasty which ruled the empire for 27 years. Although he held the consulship in 51 AD, Vespasian became more highly regarded as a successful military commander. He took part in the Roman Invasion of Britain in 43 AD,^[1]p16 and the Jewish rebellion of 66 AD.^[1]p29–38

While Vespasian was preparing to besiege Jerusalem during the latter campaign, emperor Nero committed suicide, plunging the empire into a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. After the emperors Galba and Otho died in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in April 69 AD.

In response, the armies in Egypt and Judaea declared Vespasian emperor on July 1.^[1]p43 In his bid for imperial power, Vespasian joined forces with Mucianus, the governor of Syria, and Primus, a general in Pannonia. Primus and Mucianus led the Flavian forces against Vitellius, while Vespasian gained control of Egypt. On 20 December, Vitellius was defeated, and the following day Vespasian was declared emperor by the Roman Senate.

Little factual information survives about Vespasian's government during the ten years he was emperor. His reign is best known for financial reforms, the successful campaign against Judaea, and several ambitious construction projects such as the Colosseum. Upon his death in 79, he was succeeded by his eldest son Titus.

References

1. Barbara Levick 1999. Vespasian. Roman Imperial Biographies, Routledge. ISBN 0-415-16618-7 (hbk). ISBN 0-415-33866-2 (pbk 2005)

Further reading

• Entry on Vespasian in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith