Vespasian

NAF-21013 f191 Vespasien marchant contre les Juifs

The Emperor sends Vespasian with an army to destroy the Jews (f. 177v) Cropped

Sestertius - Vespasiano - Iudaea Capta-RIC 0424

Roman Empire 69

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Vespasian aureus Fortuna

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Pompeii Temple of Vespasian altar close-up

Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus; 17 November AD 9 – 23 June AD 79) was Roman Emperor from AD 69 to AD 79. Vespasian founded the Flavian dynasty that ruled the Roman Empire for 27 years. Vespasian's rule marked the beginning of the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, which had ruled Rome since the ascension of Augustus in 27 BC. Before becoming emperor, Vespasian had a distinguished career as a military commander, particularly in the Roman invasion of Britain and the Jewish-Roman War. His reign is noted for the financial recovery following the excesses of previous emperors, as well as for several ambitious construction projects, including the Colosseum.

Early Life

Vespasian was born in Falacrine, Italy, to a family of equestrian rank. Despite his non-patrician background, he advanced through the Roman political and military ranks, benefiting from the patronage of powerful figures. His early career included military service in Thrace, Crete, and Cyrenaica. Under the emperor Claudius, Vespasian was appointed legate of Legio II Augusta and played a key role in the Roman conquest of Britain.

Rise to Power

The year AD 69, known as the Year of the Four Emperors, saw the Roman Empire in a state of civil war. After the death of Nero, a quick succession of emperors came and went, leaving a power vacuum that Vespasian filled. With the support of the eastern legions, he was declared emperor by his troops in Alexandria, and his forces defeated those of Vitellius, the last of the rival emperors, in December of the same year.

Reign

Vespasian's reign was marked by efforts to restore stability and order to the empire. He was known for his fiscal reforms, which included the introduction of new taxes and the tight control of public spending. One of his most famous (or infamous) taxes was the urinae vectigal, a tax on the collection of urine from public urinals in Rome's cloth-dyeing district.

He also embarked on a vast building program, which included the construction of the Temple of Peace, the Flavian Amphitheater (better known as the Colosseum), and the completion of the Temple of Claudius. These projects not only employed thousands of Romans but also served to restore confidence in the Roman economy and the imperial dynasty.

Death and Succession

Vespasian died of natural causes on 23 June AD 79, after a decade of rule. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Titus, who continued many of his policies and projects. Vespasian's younger son, Domitian, would later succeed Titus, continuing the Flavian dynasty until his assassination in AD 96.

Legacy

Vespasian's legacy is that of a ruler who brought stability and financial recovery to an empire in turmoil. His pragmatic approach to governance, focus on public works, and restoration of the Roman state's finances left a lasting impact on the Roman Empire. The Flavian dynasty, although short-lived, is remembered as a period of effective administration and relative peace.