Roman Emperor Vespasian
Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus was the fourth in the line of Roman rulers during the Year of the four emperors. He was originally known by the name Titus Flavius Vespasianus and is referred to in English as Vespasian.
Of the four emperors who came into power during that said year, he enjoyed the longest rule, reigning from 69 AD to 79 AD.
Vespasian, along with his two sons Titus and Domitian (who both succeeded him as emperor of Rome) also belonged to the prominent Flavian dynasty. While this family enjoyed an influential reign, this period would prove to be somewhat short-lived.
Perhaps the most notable accomplishment of Vespasian's reign was the widespread reforms, which he instituted after the end of the Julio-Claudian Dynasty. He is also remembered for the successful campaign against Judaea as well as his ordering of the Coliseum's construction.
Vespasian was born on November 17th, 9 AD to Titus Flavius Sabinus I and Vespasia Polla. Sabinus was an equestrian who was also a customs official by employment who served in Asia Minor.
He was also involved in money-lending activities particularly in Aventicum, although this endeavour was on only a relatively small scale. Vespasian lived for some time in this area as a result of his father's occupation there. His mother came from somewhat distinguished stock herself being the sister of a member of the Roman senate.
Vespasian had an older brother named Titus Flavius Sabinus II, who early on had already entered into public office. Vespasian was not quite as keen to follow in his brother's footsteps and it took some convincing from his mother before he would do so.
He first served in the army in the capacity of military tribune where he was assigned to Thrace beginning in 36 AD. His rise in the Roman government followed quickly and soon after he served as quaestor (where he was assigned to Crete and Cyrene) and later as aedile (a position he attained in 39 AD) and finally as praetor in 40 AD.
During this ascent into power he managed to get himself into the good graces of the then Roman Emperor Caligula.
The year 43 AD would find Vespasian along with the II Augusta undertaking a Roman invasion of Britain. He made quite a reputation for himself for his extraordinary courage and valour in the battlefield where he served under the command of Aulus Plautius. Many other victories followed in quick succession, from the early battles at the Medway and Thames rivers to the capture of the south coast ports and harbours.
Vespasian’s success in government echoed his victories in the battlefield and after serving as consul (with a short period of retirement in the interim), he made a bid for the throne after the death of Nero in 68 AD. Rome then had already gone through a succession of short-lived rulers and shortly after the ascendancy of Vitellius, Vespasian was prevailed upon by the followers of former emperor Otho to seek the throne himself.
Titus Flavius Vespasianus died on June 23rd, 79 AD.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 15/05/2008
