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Andronikos III Palaiologos
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Antoninus Pius
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Augustus
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79
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Anastasius I (emperor)
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Andronikos II Palaiologos
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Antoninus Pius
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Battle of Bedriacum
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Caligula
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Carus
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Vespasian
9th Emperor of the Roman Empire
Bust of Vespasian
Reign
1 July 69 – 23 June 79
Full name
Titus Flavius Vespasianus (from birth to accession);
Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus (as emperor)
Born
17 November 9(9-11-17)
Birthplace
Falacrina
Died
23 June 79(79-06-23) (aged 69)
Buried
Rome
Predecessor
Vitellius
Successor
Titus
Wives
Domitilla the Elder (died before 69)
Caenis (mistress and de facto wife c. 65– 74)
Offspring
Titus
Domitian
Domitilla the Younger
Dynasty
Flavian
Father
Titus Flavius Sabinus I
Mother
Vespasia Polla
Roman imperial dynasties
Flavian dynasty
Chronology
Vespasian
69 AD – 79 AD
Titus
79 AD – 81 AD
Domitian
81 AD – 96 AD
Family
Gens Flavia
Flavian tree
Category:Flavian Dynasty
Succession
Preceded by
Year of the Four Emperors
Followed by
Nervan-Antonian dynasty
Vespasian (Latin: Titvs Flavivs Caesar Vespasianvs Avgvstvs) (17 November 9 – 23 June 79),12 was Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79 AD. Vespasian was the founder of the Flavian dynasty which ruled the empire for a quarter century. Vespasian was descended from a family of equestrians, who rose into the senatorial rank under the emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Although he attained the standard succession of public offices, holding the consulship in 51 AD, Vespasian became more reputed as a successful military commander, participating in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43,3 and subjugating Judaea during the Jewish rebellion of 66 AD.4 While Vespasian was preparing to besiege the city of Jerusalem during the latter campaign, emperor Nero committed suicide, plunging the empire into a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. After the emperors Galba and Otho perished in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in April 69 AD. In response, the armies in Egypt and Judaea declared Vespasian emperor on July 1.5 In his bid for imperial power, Vespasian joined forces with Mucianus, the governor of Syria, and Primus, a general in Pannonia. Primus and Mucianus led the Flavian forces against Vitellius, while Vespasian gained control of Egypt. On 20 December, Vitellius was defeated, and the following day Vespasian was declared emperor by the Roman Senate.
Little information survives about the government during the ten years Vespasian was emperor. His reign is best known for financial reforms following the demise of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, the successful campaign against Judaea, and several ambitious construction projects, such as the Colosseum. Upon his death in 79, he was succeeded by his eldest son Titus.
Contents
1 Family
2 Military and political career
2.1 Early career
2.2 Invasion of Britannia
2.3 Later political career
2.4 Great Jewish Revolt
3 Year of Four Emperors
4 Emperor
4.1 Aftermath of the civil war
4.2 Arrival in Rome and gathering support
4.3 Propaganda campaign
4.4 Construction and conspiracies
4.5 Military pursuits and death
5 Legacy
5.1 In later literature
6 See also
7 References
8 Bibliography
8.1 Primary sources
8.2 Secondary material
Family
Vespasian was born in Falacrina, in the Sabine country near Reate.6 His family was relatively undistinguished and lacking in pedigree. His paternal grandfather, Titus Flavius Petro, was the first to distinguish himself, rising to the rank of centurion and fighting at Pharsalus for Pompey in 48 BC. Subsequently he became a debt collector. Petro's son, Titus Flavius Sabinus, worked as a customs official in the province of Asia and became a money-lender on a small scale among the Helvetii. He gained a reputation as a scrupulous and honest "tax-farmer". Sabinus married up in status, to Vespasia Polla, whose father had risen to prefect of the camp and whose brother became a Senator. Sabinus and Vespasia had three children, the eldest of whom, a girl, died in infancy. The elder boy, Titus Flavius Sabinus entered public life and pursued the cursus honorum. He served in the army as a military tribune in Thrace in 36. The following year he was elected quaestor and served in Crete and Cyrene. He rose through the ranks of Roman public office, being elected aedile on his second attempt in 39 and praetor on his first attempt in 40, taking the opportunity to ingratiate himself with the Emperor Caligula.7
Vespasian Recruitment
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Roman Emperors - DIR Vespasian
Vespasian was born at Falacrina near Sabine Reate on 17 November, A.D. 9, the son of T. Flavius Sabinus, a successful tax collector and banker, and Vespasia Polla. ...
The younger boy, Vespasian, seemed far less likely to be successful, initially not wishing to pursue high public office. He followed in his brother's footsteps when driven to it by his mother's taunting.citation needed During this period he married Flavia Domitilla, the daughter of Flavius Liberalis from Ferentium and the mistress of Statilius Capella, a Roman knight.8 They had two sons, Titus Flavius Vespasianus (b. 41) and Titus Flavius Domitianus (b. 51), and a daughter, Domitilla (b. 39). His wife Domitilla and his daughter Domitilla both died before Vespasian became emperor in 69. After the death of his wife, Vespasian 's longstanding mistress, Antonia Caenis, became his wife in all but formal status, a relationship that survived until she died in 75.7
Military and political career
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Early career
In preparation for a quaestorship, Vespasian needed two periods of service in the minor magistracies, one military and the other public. Vespasian served in the military in Thrace for about 3 years. On his return to Rome in about 30, he obtained a post in the vigintivirate, the minor magistracies, most probably in one of the posts in charge of street cleaning.9 His early performance was so unsuccessful that Caligula reportedly stuffed handfuls of muck down his toga to correct the uncleaned Roman streets, formally his responsibility.7 During the period of the ascendancy of Sejanus, there is no record of Vespasian's significant activity in political events. After completion of a term in the vigintivirate, Vespasian was entitled to stand for election as quaestor; a senatorial office. But his lack of political or family influence meant that Vespasian served as quaestor in one of the provincial posts in Crete, rather than as assistant to important men in Rome.9
Next he needed to gain a praetorship, carrying the Imperium, but non-patricians and the less well-connected had to serve in at least one intermediary post as an aedile or tribune. Vespasian failed at his first attempt to gain an aedileship but was successful in his second attempt, becoming an aedile in 38. Despite his lack of significant family connections or success in office, he achieved praetorship in either 39 or 40, at the youngest age permitted (30), during a period of political upheaval in the organisation of elections. His longstanding relationship with freedwoman Antonia Caenis, confidential secretary to the Emperor's grandmother and part of the circle of courtiers and servants round the Emperor, may have contributed to his success.9
Invasion of Britannia
Upon the accession of Claudius as emperor in 41, Vespasian was appointed legate of Legio II Augusta, stationed in Germania, thanks to the influence of the Imperial freedman Narcissus. In 43, Vespasian and the II Augusta participated in the Roman invasion of Britain, and he distinguished himself under the overall command of Aulus Plautius. After participating in crucial early battles on the rivers Medway and Thames, he was sent to reduce the south west, penetrating through the modern counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall with the probable objectives of securing the south coast ports and harbours along with the tin mines of Cornwall and the silver and lead mines of Somerset. :0
Lone driver is targeted in Dorchester
Mrs Dennick, who works as a PA for Dorset Primary Care Trust (PCT) based at Vespasian House in Dorchester, said: “I was at the roundabout waiting to pull out and so I was looking all the time to the right. “A gap appeared so I looked back to see if I ...
http://www.thisisdorset.net/news/tidnews/8966327.Lone_driver_is_targeted_in_Dorchester/
Mrs Dennick, who works as a PA for Dorset Primary Care Trust (PCT) based at Vespasian House in Dorchester, said: “I was at the roundabout waiting to pull out and so I was looking all the time to the right. “A gap appeared so I looked back to see if I ...
http://www.thisisdorset.net/news/tidnews/8966327.Lone_driver_is_targeted_in_Dorchester/
Vespasian: Biography from Answers.com
Vespasian (click to enlarge) Vespasian, bust found at Ostia; in the Museo Nazionale Romano, Rome (credit: Anderson — Alinari/Art Resource, New
Vespasian marched from Noviomagus Reginorum (Chichester) to subdue the hostile Durotriges and Dumnonii tribes,10 captured twenty oppida (towns, or more probably hill forts, including Hod Hill and Maiden Castle in Dorset). He also invaded Vectis (the Isle of Wight), finally setting up a fortress and legionary headquarters at Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter). During this time he injured himself and had not fully recovered until he went to Egypt. These successes earned him triumphal regalia (ornamenta triumphalia) on his return to Rome.
Later political career
His success as the legate of a legion, earned him a consulship in 51 after which he retired from public life, having incurred the enmity of Claudius' wife, Agrippina.7 He came out of retirement in 63 when he was sent as governor to Africa Province. According to Tacitus (ii.97), his rule was "infamous and odious" but according to Suetonius (Vesp. 4), he was "upright and, highly honourable". On one occasion he was pelted with turnips. Vespasian used his time in North Africa wisely. Usually governorships were seen by ex-consuls as opportunities to extort huge amounts of money to regain their wealth that they had spent on their previous political campaigns. Corruption was so rife, that it was almost expected that a governor would come back from these appointments with his pockets full. However, Vespasian used his time in North Africa making friends instead of money; something that would be far more valuable in the years to come. During his time in North Africa, he found himself in financial difficulties and was forced to mortgage his estates to his brother. To revive his fortunes he turned to the mule trade and gained the nickname mulio (mule-driver).
Returning from Africa, Vespasian toured Greece in Nero's retinue, but lost Imperial favour after paying insufficient attention (some sources suggest he fell asleep) during one of the Emperor's recitals on the lyre, and found himself in the political wilderness.
Great Jewish Revolt
Vespasian sestertius, struck in 71 to celebrate the victory in the Jewish Rebellion. The legend on the reverse says: IVDEA CAPTA, "Judaea conquered".
However, in 66, Vespasian was appointed to suppress the Great Jewish Revolt in Judaea. A revolt there had killed the previous governor and routed Cestius Gallus, the governor of Syria, when he tried to restore order. Two legions, with eight cavalry squadrons and ten auxiliary cohorts, were therefore dispatched under the command of Vespasian while his elder son, Titus, arrived from Alexandria with another. During this time he became the patron of Flavius Josephus, a Jewish resistance leader captured at the Siege of Yodfat who would go on to write his people's history in Greek. In the end, thousands of Jews were killed and many towns destroyed by the Romans who successfully re-established control over Judea. They took Jerusalem in 70. He is remembered by Josephus, in his "Antiquities of the Jews" as a fair and humane official, in contrast to the notorious Herod the Great whom Josephus goes to great lengths to demonize.
Josephus, while under the patronage of the Roman Emperor, wrote that after the Roman Legio X Fretensis accompanied by Vespasian destroyed Jericho on 21 June 68, he took a group of Jews who could not swim (possibly Essenes from Qumran), fettered them, and threw them into the Dead Sea to test its legendary buoyancy. Sure enough, the Jews shot back up after being thrown in from boats and floated calmly on top of the sea.
Year of Four Emperors
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Main article: Year of the Four Emperors
Map of the Roman Empire during the Year of the Four Emperors (69). Blue areas indicate provinces loyal to Vespasian and Gaius Licinius Mucianus.
The Colosseum to Rome
Erected by wishes of the Emperor Vespasian to honour the grandeur of the Empire and inaugurated by Titus in 80 AD, the Colosseum was built in a valley surrounded by the Esquiline, the Palatine and the Celio hills draining a pond used by Nero for the Domus Aurea.
http://open.salon.com/blog/paoloncc/2011/03/28/the_colosseum_to_rome
Erected by wishes of the Emperor Vespasian to honour the grandeur of the Empire and inaugurated by Titus in 80 AD, the Colosseum was built in a valley surrounded by the Esquiline, the Palatine and the Celio hills draining a pond used by Nero for the Domus Aurea.
http://open.salon.com/blog/paoloncc/2011/03/28/the_colosseum_to_rome
Vespasian
Vespasian on WN Network delivers the latest Videos and Editable pages for News & Events, including Entertainment, Music, Sports, Science and more, Sign ...
After the death of Nero in 68, Rome saw a succession of short-lived emperors and a year of civil wars. Galba was murdered by Otho, who was defeated by Vitellius. Otho's supporters, looking for another candidate to support, settled on Vespasian.
According to Suetonius, a prophecy ubiquitous in the Eastern provinces claimed that from Judaea would come the future rulers of the world. Vespasian eventually believed that this prophecy applied to him, and found a number of omens, oracles, and portents that reinforced this belief.11
He also found encouragement in Mucianus, the governor of Syria; and, although Vespasian was a strict disciplinarian and reformer of abuses, Vespasian's soldiers were thoroughly devoted to him. All eyes in the East were now upon him. Mucianus and the Syrian legions were eager to support him. While he was at Caesarea, he was proclaimed emperor (1 July 69), first by the army in Egypt under Tiberius Julius Alexander, and then by his troops in Judaea (11 July according to Suetonius, 3 July according to Tacitus).
Nevertheless, Vitellius, the occupant of the throne, had Rome's best troops on his side — the veteran legions of Gaul and the Rhineland. But the feeling in Vespasian's favour quickly gathered strength, and the armies of Moesia, Pannonia, and Illyricum soon declared for him, and made him the de facto master of half of the Roman world.
While Vespasian himself was in Egypt securing its grain supply, his troops entered Italy from the northeast under the leadership of M. Antonius Primus. They defeated Vitellius's army (which had awaited him in Mevania) at Bedriacum (or Betriacum), sacked Cremona and advanced on Rome. They entered Rome after furious fighting. In the resulting confusion, the Capitol was destroyed by fire and Vespasian's brother Sabinus was killed by a mob.
On receiving the tidings of his rival's defeat and death at Alexandria, the new emperor at once forwarded supplies of urgently needed grain to Rome, along with an edict or a declaration of policy, in which he gave assurance of an entire reversal of the laws of Nero, especially those relating to treason. While in Egypt he visited the Temple of Serapis, where reportedly he experienced a vision. Later he was confronted by two labourers who were convinced that he possessed a divine power that could work miracles.
Emperor
Aftermath of the civil war
Bust of Vespasian, Pushkin Museum, Moscow.
Vespasian was declared emperor by the Senate while he was in Egypt in December of 69 (the Egyptians had declared him emperor in June of 69). In the short-term, administration of the empire was given to Mucianus who was aided by Vespasian's son, Domitian. Mucianus started off Vespasian's rule with tax reform that was to restore the empire's finances. After Vespasian arrived in Rome in mid-70, Mucianus continued to press Vespasian to collect as many taxes as possible.12
Vespasian and Mucianus renewed old taxes and instituted new ones, increased the tribute of the provinces, and kept a watchful eye upon the treasury officials. The Latin proverb "Pecunia non olet" ("Money does not smell") may have been created when he had introduced a urine tax on public toilets. By his own example of simplicity of life — he caused something of a scandal when it was made known he took his own boots off — he initiated a marked improvement in the general tone of society in many respects.
Area calendar 04/07-04/10
Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War; 7 p.m., Vespasian Warner Public Library, Clinton; speaker: author Dan Guillory; free; 217-935-5174. -- College of Arts of Sciences Distinguished Lecture; 7:30 p.m., Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center Old ...
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/article_cc96167c-60a4-11e0-8f6e-001cc4c002e0.html
Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War; 7 p.m., Vespasian Warner Public Library, Clinton; speaker: author Dan Guillory; free; 217-935-5174. -- College of Arts of Sciences Distinguished Lecture; 7:30 p.m., Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center Old ...
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/article_cc96167c-60a4-11e0-8f6e-001cc4c002e0.html
Vespasian
Vespasian and his brother Sabinus both also managed to follow in their uncle's footsteps and become senators. In AD 39 Vespasian married Flavia Domitilla. ...
In early 70, Vespasian was still in Egypt, the source of Rome's grain supply, and had not yet left for Rome. According to Tacitus, his trip was delayed due to bad weather.13 Modern historians theorize that Vespasian had been and was continuing to consolidate support from the Egyptians before departing.14 Stories of a divine Vespasian healing people circulated in Egypt.15 During this period, protests erupted in Alexandria over his new tax policies and grain shipments were held up. Vespasian eventually restored order and grain shipments to Rome resumed.12
In addition to the uprising in Egypt, unrest and civil war continued in the rest of the empire in 70. In Judea, rebellion had continued from 66. Vespasian's son, Titus, finally subdued the rebellion with the capture of Jerusalem and destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70. According to Eusebius, Vespasian then ordered all descendants of the royal line of David to be hunted down, causing the Jews to be persecuted from province to province. Several modern historians have suggested that Vespasian, already having been told by Josephus that he was prophesied to become emperor whilst in Judaea, was probably reacting to other widely known Messianic prophecies circulating at the time, to suppress any rival claimants arising from that dynasty.16
In January of the same year, an uprising occurred in Gaul and Germany, known as the second Batavian Rebellion. This rebellion was headed by Gaius Julius Civilis and Julius Sabinus. Sabinus, claiming he was descended from Julius Caesar, declared himself emperor of Gaul. The rebellion defeated and absorbed two Roman legions before it was suppressed by Vespasian's brother-in-law, Quintus Petillius Cerialis, by the end of 70.
Arrival in Rome and gathering support
In mid-70, Vespasian first came to Rome. Vespasian immediately embarked on a series of efforts to stay in power and prevent future revolts. He offered gifts to many in the military and much of the public.17 Soldiers loyal to Vitellius were dismissed or punished.18 He also restructured the Senatorial and Equestrian orders, removing his enemies and adding his allies.19 Regional autonomy of Greek provinces was repealed.20 Additionally, he made significant attempts to control public perception of his rule.
Propaganda campaign
Roman aureus depicting Vespasian as Emperor. The reverse shows the goddess Fortuna.
Many modern historians note the increased amount of propaganda that appeared during Vespasian's reign.21 Stories of a supernatural emperor who was destined to rule circulated in the empire.22 Nearly one-third of all coins minted in Rome under Vespasian celebrated military victory or peace.23 The word vindex was removed from coins so as not to remind the public of rebellious Vindex. Construction projects bore inscriptions praising Vespasian and condemning previous emperors.24 A temple of peace was constructed in the forum as well.19 Vespasian approved histories written under his reign, ensuring biases against him were removed.25
Vespasian also gave financial rewards to ancient writers.26 The ancient historians who lived through the period such as Tacitus, Suetonius, Josephus and Pliny the Elder speak suspiciously well of Vespasian while condemning the emperors who came before him.27 Tacitus admits that his status was elevated by Vespasian, Josephus identifies Vespasian as a patron and savior, and Pliny dedicated his Natural Histories to Vespasian's son, Titus.28
WORLD PERFECT: The Jewish Impact on Civilization
The giant 600-by-500-foot arena, built by Vespasian and completed by Titus, seated 50,000 people. It had a removable roof and a floor that could be raised or lowered, depending on what the day's atmosphere demanded. Sometimes the Coliseum was transformed ...
http://www.aish.com/ci/s/48899267.html
The giant 600-by-500-foot arena, built by Vespasian and completed by Titus, seated 50,000 people. It had a removable roof and a floor that could be raised or lowered, depending on what the day's atmosphere demanded. Sometimes the Coliseum was transformed ...
http://www.aish.com/ci/s/48899267.html
JewishEncyclopedia.com - VESPASIAN:
In the winter of 67 Vespasian made his preparations for war in Antioch, and in the ... Vespasian doubtless desired to prolong the campaign in Judea, since ...
Those who spoke against Vespasian were punished. A number of stoic philosophers were accused of corrupting students with inappropriate teachings and were expelled from Rome.29 Helvidius Priscus, a pro-republic philosopher, was executed for his teachings.30
Construction and conspiracies
Construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the Colosseum, was begun by Vespasian, and ultimately finished by his son Titus.
Between 71 and 79, much of Vespasian's reign is a mystery. Historians report that Vespasian ordered the construction of several buildings in Rome. Additionally, he survived several conspiracies against him.
Vespasian helped rebuild Rome after the civil war. He added the temple of Peace and the temple to the Deified Claudius.19 In 75, he erected a colossal statue of Apollo, begun under Nero, and he dedicated a stage of the theater of Marcellus. He also began construction of the Colosseum.
Suetonius claims that Vespasian was met with "constant conspiracies" against him.31 Only one conspiracy is known specifically, though. In 78 or 79, Eprius Marcellus and Aulus Caecina Alienus attempted to kill Vespasian. Why these men turned against Vespasian is not known.
Military pursuits and death
In 78, Agricola was sent to Britain, and both extended and consolidated the Roman dominion in that province, pushing his way into what is now Scotland. In his ninth consulship Vespasian had a slight illness in Campania and, returning at once to Rome, he left for Aquae Cutiliae and the country around Reate, where he spent every summer; however, his illness worsened and he developed severe diarrhea. On 23 June of 79, Vespasian was on his deathbed and expiring rapidly, he demanded that he be helped to stand as he believed "An emperor should die on his feet". He died of a fever. His purported great wit can be glimpsed from his last words; Væ, puto deus fio, "Oh! I think I'm becoming a god!".32
Legacy
Vespasian was known for his wit and his amiable manner alongside his commanding personality and military prowess. He could be liberal to impoverished Senators and equestrians and to cities and towns desolated by natural calamity. He was especially generous to men of letters and rhetors, several of whom he pensioned with salaries of as much as 1,000 gold pieces a year. Quintilian is said to have been the first public teacher who enjoyed this imperial favor. Pliny the Elder's work, the Natural History, was written during Vespasian's reign, and dedicated to Vespasian's son Titus.
Vespasian distrusted philosophers in general, viewing them as unmanly complainers who talked too much. It was the idle talk of philosophers, who liked to glorify the good times of the Republic, that provoked Vespasian into reviving the obsolete penal laws against this profession as a precautionary measure. Only one, Helvidius Priscus, was put to death after he had repeatedly affronted the Emperor by studied insults which Vespasian had initially tried to ignore, "I will not kill a dog that barks at me," were his words on discovering Priscus's public slander.
Vespasian was indeed noted for mildness when dealing with political opposition. According to Suetonius, he bore the frank language of his friends, the quips of pleaders, and the impudence of the philosophers with the greatest patience. Though Licinius Mucianus, a man of disputable reputation as being the receiver in homosexual sex, treated the emperor with scant respect, Vespasian never criticised him publicly but privately uttered the words: "I, at least, am a man."33 He was also noted for his benefactions to the people, much money was spent on public works and the restoration and beautification of Rome: a new forum, the Temple of Peace, the public baths and the great show piece, the Colosseum.
CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Vespasian
Vespasian remained at his post in Judea, while his lieutenant, Antonius Primus, with the ... Vespasian's assumption of the imperial authority ended one of those ...
Vespasian debased the denarius during his reign, reducing the silver purity from 93.5% to 90% — the silver weight dropping from 2.97 grams to 2.87 grams.34
In modern Romance languages, urinals are still named after him (for example, vespasiano in Italian, and vespasienne in French35) probably in reference to a tax he placed on urine collection (useful due to its ammoniac content; see Pay toilet).
In later literature
Marcus Didius Falco novels
The Course of Honour, a novel by Lindsey Davis
Edward Rutherfurd's historical fiction novel Sarum contains an account of one of the protagonists' (a Celtic chief) meeting Vespasian during his campaign through southern Britannia.
Vespasian, as legate under Aulus Plautius, is a regular secondary character in Simon Scarrow's Eagle series.
Mentioned in Robert Browning's Poem "Cleon".
See also
Jewish Messiah claimants
References
^ Levick, Vespasian, 4.
^ Levick, Vespasian, xxi.
^ Levick, Vespasian, 16.
^ Levick, Vespasian, 29–38.
^ Levick, Vespasian, 43.
^ Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 2
^ a b c d Morgan G (2006). 69 A.D. The Year of the Four Emperors. OUP. pp. 170–173. ISBN 978019512468.
^ Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 3
^ a b c Levick B (1999), vespasian Roman Imperial Biographies), Oxford: Routledge, ISBN 0-415-16618-7
^ A History of Britain, Richard Dargie (2007), p. 20
^ Cassius Dio Roman History 65.1
^ a b Cassius Dio, Roman History, LXVI.2
^ Tacitus, Histories IV
^ Sullivan, Phillip, "A Note on Flavian Accession", The Classical Journal, 1953, p. 67-70
^ Cassius Dio, Roman History LXVI.2
^ eg., Paul Barnett, Jesus & the Rise of Early Christianity p. 31; 1911 Encyclopaedia Britannica, "JEWS".
^ Cassius Dio, Roman History' LXVI.10
^ Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 8
^ a b c Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 9
^ Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 8; Philostratus II, Life of Apollonius 5.41
^ M.P. Charleswroth, "Flaviana", Journal of Roman Studies 27 (1938) 54–62
^ Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 4–5
^ Jones, William "Some Thoughts on the Propaganda of Vespasian and Domitian", The Classical Journal, p. 251
^ Aqueduct and roads dedication speak of previous emperors' neglect, CIL vi, 1257(ILS 218) and 931
^ Josephus, Against Apion 9
^ Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 18
^ "Otho, Vitellius, and the Propaganda of Vespasian", The Classical Journal (1965), p. 267-269
^ Tacitus, Histories I.1; Josephus, The Life of Flavius Josephus 72; Pliny the Elder, Natural Histories, preface.
^ Cassius Dio, Roman History LXVI.12
^ Cassius Dio, Roman History LXVI.13
^ Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 25
^ Cassius Dio Roman History 66.1
^ Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian 13
^ Tulane University "Roman Currency of the Principate"[1]
^ For example, in E. E. Cummings' autobiographical novel The Enormous Room.
Bibliography
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Vespasian
Primary sources
Tacitus, Histories, English translation
Suetonius, The Lives of Twelve Caesars, Life of Vespasian, Latin text with English translation
Cassius Dio, Roman History, Books 64, 65 and 66, Latin text with English translation
Flavius Josephus, The War of the Jews, Books 2, 3 and 4, English translation
Secondary material
Ivar Lissner, "Power and Folly: The Story of the Caesars". Jonathan Cape Ltd., London, 1958
Barbara Levick, Vespasian (Roman Imperial Biographies), Routledge, 1999. ISBN 0-415-16618-7 (hbk). ISBN 0-415-33866-2 (pbk, 2005)
Biography on De Imperatoribus Romanis.
Vespasian entry in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith
A private collection of Vespasian denarii
[2] (Austin Simmons, The Cipherment of the Franks Casket) Vespasian is depicted on the back side of the Franks Casket.
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed (1911). Encyclopædia Britannica (Eleventh ed.). Cambridge University Press.
Vespasian
Flavian dynasty
Born: November 17 AD 9 Died: June 23 AD 79
Political offices
Preceded by
—
Flavian Dynasty
69–96
Succeeded by
Titus
Preceded by
Vitellius
Roman Emperor
69–79
Succeeded by
Titus
Preceded by
Vitellius
Year of Four Emperors
68–69
Succeeded by
—
Preceded by
Fabius Valens and Arrius Antoninus
Consul of the Roman Empire
70–72
Succeeded by
Domitian and Lucius Valerius Catullus Messallinus
Preceded by
Domitian and Lucius Valerius Catullus Messallinus
Consul of the Roman Empire together with Titus
74–77
Succeeded by
Decimus Iunius Novius Priscus Rufus and Lucius Ceionius Commodus Verus
Preceded by
Decimus Iunius Novius Priscus Rufus and Lucius Ceionius Commodus
Consul of the Roman Empire together with Titus
79
Succeeded by
Titus and Domitian
v · d · eRoman emperors
Principate
27 BC – 235 AD
Vespasian
The future emperor Vespasian was born Titus Vespasinus Flavius in the year 9 AD. ... In 25 AD Vespasian assumed the Toga Vilaris and ws elevated to senatorial rank. ...
Augustus · Tiberius · Caligula · Claudius · Nero · Galba · Otho · Vitellius · Vespasian · Titus · Domitian · Nerva · Trajan · Hadrian · Antoninus Pius · Marcus Aurelius with Lucius Verus · Commodus · Pertinax · Didius Julianus · Septimius Severus · Caracalla · Geta · Macrinus with Diadumenian · Elagabalus · Alexander Severus
Crisis
235–284
Maximinus Thrax · Gordian I and Gordian II · Pupienus and Balbinus · Gordian III · Philip the Arab · Decius with Herennius Etruscus · Hostilian · Trebonianus Gallus with Volusianus · Aemilianus · Valerian · Gallienus with Saloninus · Claudius Gothicus · Quintillus · Aurelian · Tacitus · Florianus · Probus · Carus · Carinus · Numerian
Dominate
284–395
Diocletian · Maximian · Constantius Chlorus · Galerius · Severus · Maxentius · Maximinus Daia · Licinius with Valerius Valens and Martinianus · Constantine the Great · Constantine II · Constans I · Constantius II with Vetranio · Julian the Apostate · Jovian · Valentinian I · Valens · Gratian · Valentinian II · Theodosius I
Western Empire
395–480
Honorius with Constantine · Constantius III · Joannes · Valentinian III · Petronius Maximus · Avitus · Majorian · Libius Severus · Anthemius · Olybrius · Glycerius · Julius Nepos · Romulus Augustulus
Eastern/
Byzantine Empire
395–1204
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Empire of Nicaea
1204–1261
Imperial coins can be dated based on the offices listed on the face of the coins Note the following letters on this coin minted under Vespasian IMPCAESVESPASIANAUGPMTRPPPCOSIII Some of these letters may not have been clear especially the U and G but there is a standard format which makes it clear that these letters are not really V and C
http://ancienthistory.about.com/library/bl/bl_vespasian_coin.htm
Vespasian
Vespasian, in full Titus Flavius Vespasianus, Roman emperor from AD 70 to 79, was born on the 18th of November, AD 9, in the Sabine country near Reate. ...
Constantine Laskaris · Theodore I Laskaris · John III Doukas Vatatzes · Theodore II Laskaris · John IV Laskaris
Eastern/
Byzantine Empire
1261–1453
Michael VIII Palaiologos · Andronikos II Palaiologos · Michael IX Palaiologos · Andronikos III Palaiologos · John V Palaiologos · John VI Kantakouzenos · Matthew Kantakouzenos · Andronikos IV Palaiologos · John VII Palaiologos · Andronikos V Palaiologos · Manuel II Palaiologos · John VIII Palaiologos · Constantine XI Palaiologos
Persondata
Name
Vespasian
Alternative names
Titus Flavius Vespasianus
Short description
Roman Emperor
Date of birth
17 November AD 9
Place of birth
Falacrina
Date of death
23 June AD 79
Place of death
Rome
Titus - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
When Vespasian was declared emperor on 1 July 69, Titus was left in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion. ... Vespasian decided to await further orders, and sent Titus to greet ...
Constantine Laskaris · Theodore I Laskaris · John III Doukas Vatatzes · Theodore II Laskaris · John IV Laskaris
Eastern/
Byzantine Empire
1261–1453
Michael VIII Palaiologos · Andronikos II Palaiologos · Michael IX Palaiologos · Andronikos III Palaiologos · John V Palaiologos · John VI Kantakouzenos · Matthew Kantakouzenos · Andronikos IV Palaiologos · John VII Palaiologos · Andronikos V Palaiologos · Manuel II Palaiologos · John VIII Palaiologos · Constantine XI Palaiologos
Persondata
Name
Vespasian
Alternative names
Titus Flavius Vespasianus
Short description
Roman Emperor
Date of birth
17 November AD 9
Place of birth
Falacrina
Date of death
23 June AD 79
Place of death
Rome
VESPASIAN AE As - Spes
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