Vespasian (redirected from Vespasianus)

Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus) (vĕspā`zhən), A.D. 9–A.D. 79, Roman emperor (A.D. 69–A.D. 79), founder of the Flavian dynasty. The son of a poor family, he made his way in the army by sheer ability. He served in Germany and in Britain (where he conquered the Isle of Wight) and was made consul (A.D. 51). Later he was proconsul in Africa under Nero. In A.D. 66, Nero put him in charge of the war against the Jews, and he was in Judaea when the emperor died. He recognized Otho and then Vitellius, but when he himself was proclaimed emperor by the soldiers in Judaea and Alexandria, he set out to make good his claim. He arrived in Italy late in A.D. 69. He set about restoring the state and its finances and gave an example of frugal living that contrasted greatly with the life of Nero. His son Titus, whom he had left to prosecute the Jewish war, destroyed Jerusalem and returned to Rome to enjoy the triumph with his father. To commemorate the beginning of an era of peace (which lasted a century), Vespasian closed the gates of the temple of Janus and built the temple of Pax. He also erected the Colosseum. The principal external events of Vespasian's reign were the revolt of the Batavii (see Civilis) and the campaigns and administration of Agricola in Britain. He was succeeded by his son Titus; his other son, Domitian, later succeeded Titus. The reign of Vespasian was noted for its order and prosperity.

Bibliography

See B. W. Henderson, Five Roman Emperors (1927, repr. 1969); M. W. McCrum and A. G. Woodhead, Select Documents of the Principates of the Flavian Emperors (1961).

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Vespasian

 in full Caesar Vespasianus Augustus orig. Titus Flavius Vespasianus

Vespasian, bust found at Ostia; in the Museo Nazionale Romano, Rome

(credit: Anderson-Alinari from Art Resource/EB Inc.)

(born Nov. 17?, AD 9, Reate, Latium—died June 24, 79) Roman emperor (69–79), founder of the Flavian dynasty. Although of humble birth, he won military glory in Britain and was awarded a triumph by Claudius. In 63 he became proconsul of Africa. He reconquered Judaea except for Jerusalem (67–68) but stopped fighting on the death of Nero (68). After the murder of Galba, Vespasian was proclaimed emperor by the legions, while Vitellius claimed the title in Cologne; Vespasian's forces soon defeated Vitellius in Italy. Although he claimed absolute power and took every possible office for himself and his sons, he was a popular emperor and lived simply. He increased provincial taxation to pay for the deficits incurred by Nero and the civil wars, built the Temple of Peace and began the Colosseum, and reformed the army and Praetorian Guard. He ended the Jewish war (70) and the Rhineland revolt, adding lands in Germany and Britain and pacifying Wales. He was succeeded by his son Titus.

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Vespasian

Latin name Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus. 9--79 ad, Roman emperor (69--79), who consolidated Roman rule, esp in Britain and Germany. He began the building of the Colosseum