The Flavian dynasty was created by Vespasian, Rome’s ninth emperor. Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus was the youngest son of Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus and was born in Rome to a somewhat unremarkable household. His early life was mostly overshadowed by his elder brother’s successes. Later his life, he served in the military for several years before becoming the second legion’s legate during the invasion of Britain in 43 AD. After numerous further military victories, he climbed through the ranks of the Senate to become consul and, a decade later, proconsul of Africa. Following that, Emperor Nero sent him to oversee the subjugation of Judaea during the Jewish Revolt, but after Nero’s death, Vespasian prepared his own attempt for power. The legions of Egypt, Judaea, and Syria voted for Vespasian, opposing Vitellius’ ascension to the throne, during the ‘Year of the Four Emperors,’ during which the two emperors, Galba and Otho, died in quick succession. Vespasian won Rome and Egypt after a terrible struggle between both troops, and the Roman senate named him Emperor. During his ten-year reign, Vespasian fought to rebuild Rome’s finances, which had been wrecked by the civil wars, and to restore discipline to the army. Vespasian became the first Roman Emperor to be followed directly by his own natural son after his death, creating the Flavian dynasty.
Childhood and Adolescence
Vespasian was born in Falacrina, Italy, on November 17, 9 AD, to Titus Flavius Sabinus, a tax collector, and his wife, Vespasia Polla. His full name was Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus.
With an older brother, Titus Flavius Sabinus, he was the family’s youngest member. Sabinus, who served in the army and was also the prefect of Rome for many years under Nero, dominated Vespasian’s early years.
Although Vespasian was hesitant at first to pursue a position in high government, he eventually decided to follow in his brother’s footsteps. He spent three years in the military in Thrace before rising to the position of praetor in 39 AD.
Reign & Accession
When Claudius came to the throne in 41 AD, Vespasian was named legate of Legio II Augusta.
Vespasian was a Roman general who took part in the Roman conquest of Britain in 43 AD. He fought valiantly and distinguished himself for his bravery and military knowledge. His military achievements gained him numerous accolades, including the appointment of British consul.
Vespasian was not in good standing with his wife, Agrippina, after Claudius’ death in 54 AD, and thus disappeared from public life for a time.
Vespasian was named proconsul of Africa in 63 AD. His time in Africa was not well received, and his severe financial prudence earned him the people’s contempt.
Nero assigned him to head the legions against the Jewish insurrection in Judaea in 67 AD. Vespasian led a series of victorious operations the next year, taking practically all of Judaea except Jerusalem.
While Vespasian’s soldiers surrounded Jerusalem in 68 AD, Nero committed himself, and the war was swiftly ended by Vespasian. Nero’s assassination ushered in the ‘Year of the Four Emperors,’ a year of civil conflict in Rome.
Galba, the first of the four emperors, was eventually acknowledged by Vespasian, but he was assassinated in January 69 AD, leaving the throne vacant once more. Otho succeeded to the throne after his death, but he too died in April 69 AD.
Following that, Vitellius was proclaimed Emperor in April 69, prompting the Roman legions of Roman Egypt and Judaea to proclaim Vespasian Emperor in July 69 AD. Vespasian fought the Vitellius army and eventually took control of both Rome and Egypt with the help of his friends.
Following Vitellius’ defeat at the hands of Vespasian’s allies in December 69 AD, the Roman Senate elected Vespasian Emperor. He was largely concerned with raising money while living in Egypt, thus he increased provincial taxation to produce revenue. He returned to Rome in October of 70 AD.
Although little is known about Vespasian’s reign, which lasted from 71 to 79 AD, it is certain that he spent the most of his time repairing Rome’s infrastructure and economy, which had been destroyed during the civil war. He restructured Rome’s financial system and began numerous enormous construction projects, notably the Flavian Amphitheatre, which is now known as the ‘Roman Colosseum.’
During his reign as Roman emperor, Vespasian was particularly concerned with military matters. He made significant reforms in the East, replacing the one army in Syria with three armies in Cappadocia, Syria, and Judaea, totaling six legions.
Major Projects of Vespasian
To raise money, he raised taxes and reclaimed public territory in order to restore a war-torn Rome to its former beauty. He used part of it on large-scale construction projects such as temples and the first stages of what is now known as the ‘Roman Colosseum.’ By promising Rome a stable and peaceful future, Vespasian legitimized himself and his dynasty.
Personal History and Legacy
Flavia Domitilla, the daughter of Flavius Liberalis of Ferentium, was his wife. The marriage produced three children: Titus Flavius Vespasianus and Titus Flavius Domitianus, two sons, and Domitilla, a daughter. Before Vespasian became Emperor in 69 AD, his wife and daughter died.
Following the death of his wife, Vespasian began a romantic relationship with Antonia Caenis, an earlier mistress. In all but formal status, she became his wife, and they remained together until her death in 75 AD.
At the age of 69, Vespasian died on June 23, 79 AD. Titus, his oldest son, took over as his successor.
Estimated Net Worth
The estimated net worth of Vespasian is approximately $1 Million dollors.