Short Biography about the life of Vespasian
Short Biography profile and facts about one of the most famous Romans of all, in the life of Vespasian, Emperor of Rome and provinces of the Roman Empire.

• Name commonly known as: Vespasian

• Latin Roman Name: Titus Flavius Vespasianus

• Reigned as Roman Emperor / Caesar: 1 July 69 – 23 June 79

• Dynasty / Historical Period: Flavian

• Place and Date of Birth: Born 17 November 09 at Falacrina

• Name of previous Emperor: His predecessor or the Emperor before Vespasian was Vitellius

• Family connections / Genealogy

  • Name of Father: Titus Flavius Sabinus

  • Name of Mother: Vespasia Polla

  • Vespasian Married:

    • Domitilla the Elder

    • Caenis

  • Children:

    • Titus

    • Domitian

    • Domitilla the Younger

• Place and Date of Death: Vespasian died 23 June 79 (age 69) Place of death Rome

• Name of next Emperor:  The successor to Vespasian was Titus, his son

• Why was Vespasian famous? Accomplishments, achievements and important events: The defeat of Vitellius resulted in the end of military anarchy and the beginning of an extended period of political stability under Vespasian and the Flavian dynasty which he established. The successful campaign against Judea led to the capture of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple. The proceeds of the victory which were spent building the Colosseum in Rome.

• Vespasian was brave, active, free from vice, and, although fond of money, was never charged with extortion or rapacity. Although never a refined or cultivated man, Vespasian restored the vigor of the Roman government, and gave peace and prosperity to his subjects. Vespasian founded a library and established schools of rhetoric in Rome.

The Year of the Four Emperors (68 - 69 AD) and the Flavian Dynasty
The Year of the Four Emperors 68 - 69 AD and the beginning of the Flavian Dynasty. Following the suicide of Nero there was a brief period of civil war in Rome which resulted in the Year of the Four Emperors which saw the successive rise and fall of Galba, Otho and Vitellius until the final accession of Vespasian who became the first ruler of the Flavian Dynasty. On the death of Nero, Servius Sulpicius Galba, already chosen emperor by the Praetorians and the Senate, was murdered in the Forum in January, A.D. 69. He was succeeded by Salvius Otho, the infamous friend of Nero, and the husband of Poppaea Sabina. The legions on the Rhine, however, proclaimed their own commander, Vitellius, emperor and Otho, his forces being defeated in a battle near Bedriacum between Verona and Cremona, killed himself. Vitellius, the new emperor, was remarkable for his gluttony and his coarse vices. He neglected every duty of his office, and soon became universally contemptible. Vespasian, the distinguished general, who had been fighting successfully against the Jews in Palestine, was proclaimed emperor by the governor of Egypt.