Editing Vespasian

{{Short description|Roman emperor from AD 69 to 79}}
{{For|others with the given name or surname|Vespasian (name)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use British English|date=October 2022}}
{{Infobox royalty
| image        = Vespasian, from Naples, c. AD 70, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen (13646730625).jpg
| alt          = Front view of a bust.
| caption      = Bust at the [[Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek]]
| succession   = [[Roman emperor]]
| reign        = 1 July 69 – 23 June 79
| predecessor  = [[Vitellius]]
| successor    = [[Titus]]
| birth_name   = Titus Flavius Vespasianus
| birth_date   = 17 November 9 AD<ref>[[Suetonius]], ''Vesp.'', 2. "Vespasian was born [...] on the evening of the fifteenth day before the [[Kalends]] of December, in the consulate of [[Quintus Sulpicius Camerinus]] and [[Gaius Poppaeus Sabinus]], five years before the death of [[Augustus]]."</ref>
| birth_place  = [[Falacrina|Falacrinum]], [[Roman Italy|Italy]]
| death_date   = 23 June 79 (aged 69){{refn|[[Suetonius]] gives 23 June (''VIIII. Kal. Iul.''). However, he also states that he died "at the age of sixty-nine years, seven months and seven day", i.e. he died on 24 June, although it's possible that he's using [[inclusive counting]]. [[Cassius Dio]] ([https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html 66.17]) states that he "reigned ten years lacking six days", i.e. he died on 25/24 June. Both authors date Titus' ascension on 24 June.<ref>[[Suetonius]], ''Titus'' 11: "[He died] two years two months and twenty days after succeeding Vespasian".</ref><ref>[[Cassius Dio]] LXVI.18: "For he lived after this only two years, two months and twenty days".</ref>}}
| death_place  = [[Aquae Cutiliae]]
| burial_place = Rome
| spouses      = {{ubli|[[Domitilla the Elder]] (died before 69)|[[Caenis]] (mistress and later [[Concubinatus|concubine]] after his wife's death {{c.|65–74}})}}
| issue        = {{ubl|[[Titus]]|[[Domitilla the Younger]]|[[Domitian]]}}
| issue-link   = #Family
| issue-pipe   = Detail
| regnal name  = Imperator Caesar Vespasianus Augustus{{sfn|Cooley|p=490}}
| dynasty      = [[Flavian dynasty|Flavian]]
| father       = [[Titus Flavius Sabinus (father of Vespasian)|Titus Flavius Sabinus]]
| mother       = [[Vespasia Polla]]
}}

'''Vespasian''' ({{IPAc-en|v|ɛ|s|ˈ|p|eɪ|ʒ|(|i|)|ən|,_|-|z|i|ən}}; {{langx|la|Vespasianus}} {{IPA|la|wɛspasjˈaːnus|}}; 17 November AD 9 – 23 June 79) was [[Roman emperor]] from 69 to 79. The last emperor to reign in the [[Year of the Four Emperors]], he founded the [[Flavian dynasty]], which ruled the Empire for 27 years. His fiscal reforms and consolidation of the empire brought political stability and a vast building program.

Vespasian was the first emperor from an [[Equestrian (Roman)|equestrian]] family who rose only later in his lifetime into the [[Roman Senate|senatorial]] rank as the first of his family to do so. He rose to prominence through military achievement:<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/53474742 |title=The Mammoth Book of Roman Whodunnits |date=2003 |publisher=[[Carroll & Graf Publishers]] |others=Edited and had non-fictional passages written by Michael Ashley, Introduction by Steven Saylor |isbn=0-7867-1241-4 |edition= |location=New York |pages=198 |oclc=53474742}}</ref> he served as [[legatus|legate]] of [[Legio II Augusta]] during the [[Roman invasion of Britain]] in 43, and later led the suppression of the [[First Jewish–Roman War|Jewish rebellion]] of 66–70.<ref>Levick, pp. 16–38.</ref>

While he was engaged in the campaign in [[Judaea (Roman province)|Judaea]], Emperor [[Nero]] died by suicide in June 68, plunging Rome into a year of civil war known as the [[Year of the Four Emperors]]. After [[Galba]] and [[Otho]] perished in quick succession, [[Vitellius]] became emperor in April 69. The Roman legions of [[Roman Egypt|Egypt]] and Judaea reacted by declaring Vespasian, their commander, the emperor on 1 July 69.<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Scott|first=Kenneth|date=1932|title=On Suetonius' Life of Vespasian 12|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/265251|journal=Classical Philology|volume=27|issue=1|page=83|doi=10.1086/361434|jstor=265251|s2cid=161746778|issn=0009-837X|quote=His tribunician power was reckoned from July 1, 69, the day when he was proclaimed emperor by the army|access-date=21 May 2021|archive-date=22 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210522041208/https://www.jstor.org/stable/265251|url-status=live}}</ref> In his bid for imperial power, Vespasian joined forces with [[Gaius Licinius Mucianus|Mucianus]], the governor of [[Roman Syria|Syria]], and [[Marcus Antonius Primus|Primus]], a general in [[Pannonia]], leaving his son [[Titus]] to command the besieging forces at [[Jerusalem]]. Primus and Mucianus led the Flavian forces against Vitellius, while Vespasian took control of Egypt. On 20 December 69, Vitellius was defeated, and the following day Vespasian was declared emperor by the Senate.<ref name=":0">Roberts (2007).</ref>

Little information survives about the government during Vespasian's ten-year rule. He reformed the financial system of the Roman Empire after the campaign against Judaea ended successfully, and initiated several ambitious construction projects, including the building of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known today as the [[Colosseum]]. Through his general [[Gnaeus Julius Agricola|Agricola]], Vespasian increased imperial expansion in [[Roman Britain|Britain]]. Vespasian is often credited with restoring political stability to Rome following the chaotic reigns of his predecessors. After he died in 79, he was succeeded by his eldest son Titus, thus becoming the first Roman emperor to be succeeded by his natural son and establishing the Flavian dynasty.

== Early life ==
Vespasian (born Titus Flavius Vespasianus, [[Latin spelling and pronunciation|pronounced]] {{IPA|la|ˈt̪ɪt̪ʊs ˈfɫaːwijʊs wɛs.pasiˈjaːnʊs|}}) was born in a village north-east of Rome called [[Falacrinae]].<ref>Suetonius, ''Vesp''. 2</ref> [[Flavia gens|His family]] was relatively undistinguished and lacking in pedigree. Vespasian was the son of [[Titus Flavius Sabinus (father of Vespasian)|Titus Flavius Sabinus]], a Roman moneylender, debt collector, and tax collector. His mother, [[Vespasia Polla]], also belonged to the [[Equestrian (Roman)|equestrian]] order in society, with her father rising to the rank of [[Praefectus Castrorum|prefect of the camp]] and her brother becoming a [[Roman Senate|Senator]].<ref name="gm">Morgan (2006), 170–173</ref>

He was educated in the countryside, in [[Cosa]], near what is today [[Ansedonia]], [[Italy]], under the guidance of his paternal grandmother, so much so that even when he became emperor, he often returned to the places of his childhood, having left the former [[Roman villa|villa]] exactly as it had been.<ref>Suetonius, ''Vesp.'', p. 2</ref>

Early in his life he was somewhat overshadowed by his older brother, [[Titus Flavius Sabinus (consul AD 47)|Titus Flavius Sabinus]], who had entered public life and pursued the ''[[cursus honorum]],'' holding an important military command in the [[Danube]].

== Military and political career ==
=== Early career ===
[[File:NAF-21013 f191 Vespasien marchant contre les Juifs.jpg|thumb|Vespasian leading his forces against the [[First Jewish–Roman War|Jewish revolt]], a [[Miniature (illuminated manuscript)|miniature]] in a 1470 [[illuminated manuscript]] version of the history of [[Josephus]]]]In preparation for a [[praetor]]ship, Vespasian needed two periods of service in the minor [[Executive Magistrates of the Roman Empire|magistracies]], one military and the other public. Vespasian served in the military in [[Thracia]] for about three years. On his return to Rome in about 30 AD, he obtained a post in the [[Vigintisexviri|''vigintivirate'']], the minor magistracies, most probably in one of the posts in charge of street cleaning.<ref name="levick">Levick (1999)</ref> His early performance was so unsuccessful that Emperor [[Caligula]] reportedly stuffed handfuls of [[Sapric|muck]] down his [[toga]] to correct the uncleaned Roman streets, formally his responsibility.<ref name="gm" /><!--But this must have been in the reign of Tiberius? -->

During the period of the ascendancy of [[Sejanus]], there is no record of Vespasian engaging in any significant political activity. 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 [[Creta et Cyrenaica|Crete]], rather than as assistant to important men in Rome.<ref name=levick/>

Next he needed to gain a praetorship, carrying the ''[[Imperium]]'', but non-[[Patrician (ancient Rome)|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 long-standing relationship with freed-woman [[Antonia Caenis]], confidential secretary to [[Antonia Minor]] (the Emperor's grandmother) and part of the circle of [[courtier]]s and servants around the Emperor, may have contributed to his success.<ref name=levick/>

=== Invasion of Britannia ===
Upon the accession of [[Claudius]] as emperor in 41, Vespasian was appointed [[legatus|legate]] of [[Legio II Augusta|Legio II ''Augusta'']], stationed in [[Germania]], thanks to the influence of the Imperial [[freedman]] [[Tiberius Claudius Narcissus|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 [[River Medway|Medway]] and [[River Thames|Thames]], he was sent to reduce the south west, penetrating through regions later known as the 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.

Vespasian marched from [[Noviomagus Reginorum]] ([[Chichester]]) to subdue the hostile [[Durotriges]] and [[Dumnonii]] tribes,<ref>A History of Britain, Richard Dargie (2007), p. 20</ref> and captured twenty ''[[Oppidum|oppida]]'' (towns, or more probably [[hill fort]]s, including [[Hod Hill]] and [[Maiden Castle, Dorset|Maiden Castle]] in [[Dorset]]). He also invaded Vectis (now 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 ===
[[File:The Emperor sends Vespasian with an army to destroy the Jews (f. 177v) Cropped.jpg|thumb|upright|Roman Emperor [[Nero]] sends Vespasian with an army to put down the Jewish revolt, AD 66 (depiction of 1503)]]

His success as the legate of a legion earned him a [[Roman consul|consulship]] in 51, after which he retired from public life, having incurred the enmity of [[Emperor Claudius|Claudius]]' wife, [[Agrippina the Younger|Agrippina]], who was the most powerful and influential figure in her husband's reign.<ref name=gm/> 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 [[Lives of the Twelve Caesars|Suetonius]] (''Vesp.'' 4), he was "upright and, highly honourable". On one occasion, Suetonius writes, Vespasian was pelted with [[turnip]]s.

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 the wealth 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'' (muleteer).<ref name="Suetonius, Vesp. 4–5">Suetonius, ''Vesp''. 4–5</ref>

Returning from Africa, Vespasian toured Greece in [[Nero]]'s retinue, but lost Imperial favor 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.

=== Jewish–Roman War ===
{{main|First Jewish–Roman War}}
[[File:Sestertius - Vespasiano - Iudaea Capta-RIC 0424.jpg|thumb|300px|Vespasian [[sestertius]], struck in 71 to celebrate the victory in the first Jewish–Roman War. Obverse: IMP. CAES. VESPASIAN AVG. P. M., TR. P., P. P., COS. III. The legend on the reverse says: [[Judaea Capta coinage|IVDEA CAPTA]], "[[Iudaea (Roman province)|Judaea]] conquered" – S. C.]]

In 66 AD, Vespasian was appointed to suppress the Jewish revolt underway in [[Judea (Roman province)|Judea]]. The fighting there had killed the previous governor and routed [[Cestius Gallus]], the governor of [[Syria (Roman province)|Syria]], when he tried to restore order. Two legions, with eight cavalry squadrons and ten [[Auxiliaries (Roman military)|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 [[Jews|Jewish]] resistance leader captured at the [[Siege of Yodfat]], who would later write his people's history in Greek. Ultimately, thousands of Jews were killed and the Romans destroyed many towns in re-establishing control over Judea; they also took Jerusalem in 70. Vespasian is remembered by Josephus (writing as a Roman citizen), in his ''[[Antiquities of the Jews]]'', as a fair and humane official, in contrast with the notorious [[Herod Agrippa II]] whom Josephus goes to great lengths to demonize.

While under the emperor's patronage, Josephus wrote that after the Roman [[Legio X Fretensis]], accompanied by Vespasian, destroyed [[Jericho]] on 21 June 68, Vespasian took a group of Jews who could not swim (possibly [[Essenes]] from [[Qumran]]), fettered them, and threw them into the [[Dead Sea]] to test the sea's legendary [[buoyancy]]. Indeed, the captives bobbed up to the surface after being thrown in the water from the boats.

At the conclusion of the Jewish war, Josephus discussed a prophecy from sacred scripture that about the time when Jerusalem and the [[Second Temple]] would be taken, a man from their own nation would become "governor of the habitable earth", as in the [[Messiah in Judaism|Messiah]]. Josephus interpreted the prophecy as denoting the government of Vespasian.<ref>Josephus (c. 75), ''[[War of the Jews]]'' [https://www.sefaria.org/The_War_of_the_Jews.6.5.4?lang=en 6.5.4]</ref> [[Tacitus]] agreed that the prophecy discussed Vespasian (as well as Titus), but that "the common people, with the usual blindness of ambition, had interpreted these mighty destinies of themselves, and could not be brought even by disasters to believe the truth."<ref>Tacitus (c. 110), ''[[Histories (Tacitus)|Histories]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0080%3Abook%3D5%3Achapter%3D13 5.13]</ref>

== Year of the Four Emperors (69) ==
{{Main|Year of the Four Emperors}}[[File:Roman Empire 69.svg|thumb|Map of the Roman Empire during the [[Year of the Four Emperors]] (69). Blue areas indicate provinces loyal to Vespasian and [[Gaius Licinius Mucianus]]. {{Dubious|Incorrect map|date=December 2011|reason=Incorrect, see discussion on [[:commons:File talk:Roman Empire 69.svg#Dacia? Moesia?|image talk page]]}}]]
{{Year of Four Emperors}}

After the death of Nero in 68, Rome saw a succession of short-lived emperors and a year of [[civil war]]s. [[Galba]] was murdered by supporters of [[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 [[Judea (Roman province)|Judaea]] would come the future rulers of the world. Vespasian eventually believed that this prophecy applied to him, and found a number of [[omen]]s and [[oracle]]s that reinforced this belief.<ref>Cassius Dio ''Roman History'' [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html LXV.1]</ref>

Although Vespasian and Titus resolved to challenge for the Principate in February 69, they made no move until later in the year. Throughout the early months of 69, Vespasian convened frequently with the Eastern generals. [[Mucianus|Gaius Licinius Mucianus]] was a notable ally. Governor of Syria and commander of three legions, Mucianus also held political connections to many of the most powerful Roman military commanders from Illyricum to Britannia by virtue of his service to the famous Neronian general [[Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo]]. In May 69, Mucianus formally implored Vespasian to challenge Vitellius. His appeal was followed by Vespasian's official proclamation as Emperor in early July. Under instructions from the prefect [[Tiberius Julius Alexander|Tiberius Alexander]], the legions at Alexandria took an oath of loyalty to Vespasian on 1 July. They were swiftly followed by Vespasian's Judaean legions on 3 July and thereafter by Mucianus' Syrian legions on 15 July.<ref>Caldwell, Thomas (2015). ''The Career of Licinius Mucianus'' (MA), pp. 118–149.</ref>

[[Vitellius]], the occupant of the throne, had the veteran legions of [[Roman Gaul|Gaul]] and the [[Rhineland]]. But the feeling in Vespasian's favour quickly gathered strength, and the armies of [[Moesia]], [[Pannonia]], and [[Illyricum (Roman province)|Illyricum]] soon declared for him.<ref name="classics.mit.edu">{{cite web |title=The Internet Classics Archive {{!}} The Histories by Tacitus |url=http://classics.mit.edu/Tacitus/histories.3.iii.html |website=classics.mit.edu |access-date=1 September 2022}}</ref> The ''[[praefectus Aegypti]]'', who had been governor since Nero's reign, proclaimed Vespasian emperor at Alexandria on 1 July 69 AD.<ref name=":5">{{Cite book|last=Ritner|first=Robert K.|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/CBO9781139053372A004/type/book_part|title=Islamic Egypt 640–1517|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1998|isbn=978-1-139-05337-2|editor-last=Petry|editor-first=Carl F.|edition=1|volume=1|location=|pages=1–33|chapter=Egypt under Roman rule: the legacy of ancient Egypt|doi=10.1017/chol9780521471374.002|author-link=Robert K. Ritner|access-date=2021-01-26}}</ref>{{Rp|13}}

While Vespasian himself was in Egypt, his troops entered [[Roman Italy|Italy]] from the northeast under the leadership of [[Marcus Antonius Primus]]. They defeated Vitellius' army (which had awaited him in [[Mevania]]) at [[Battle of Bedriacum|Bedriacum]] (or Betriacum), sacked [[Cremona]] and advanced on Rome. Vitellius hastily arranged a peace with Antonius, but the Emperor's [[Praetorian Guard]] forced him to retain his seat. After furious fighting, Antonius' army entered Rome. In the resulting confusion, the [[Capitoline Hill|Capitol]] was destroyed by fire and both Vitellius and Vespasian's brother Sabinus were killed.<ref name="classics.mit.edu"/> At [[Alexandria]], Vespasian immediately sent supplies of urgently-needed grain to Rome, along with an edict assuring he would reverse the laws of Nero, especially those relating to [[treason]].{{cn|date=April 2025}}

He was the first emperor since Augustus to appear in Egypt.<ref name=":52">{{Cite book|last=Ritner|first=Robert K.|url=https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/CBO9781139053372A004/type/book_part|title=Islamic Egypt 640–1517|publisher=Cambridge University Press|year=1998|isbn=978-1-139-05337-2|editor-last=Petry|editor-first=Carl F.|edition=1|volume=1|location=|pages=1–33|chapter=Egypt under Roman rule: the legacy of ancient Egypt|doi=10.1017/chol9780521471374.002|author-link=Robert K. Ritner|access-date=2021-01-26}}</ref>{{Rp|13}} While there, he visited the Temple of [[Serapis]] where he reportedly experienced a [[vision (religion)|vision]], and he performed healing miracles.<ref name="classics.mit.edu"/><ref>{{Cite web |title=Cornelius Tacitus, The History, BOOK IV, chapter 81 |url=https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Tac.%20Hist.%204.81 |access-date=2025-01-13 |website=www.perseus.tufts.edu}}</ref><ref name=":52" />{{Rp|14}} He was hailed as [[Roman pharaoh|pharaoh]] and proclaimed the son of the creator-deity [[Amun]] (Zeus-Ammon) in the style of the ancient pharaohs, and an incarnation of Serapis in the manner of the Ptolemies.<ref name=":52" />{{Rp|13–14}}

== Emperor (69–79) ==

=== Aftermath of the civil war ===
{{Flavian dynasty}}
[[File:Romano Triumph of Titus and Vespasian.jpg|thumb|Triumph of Titus and Vespasian by [[Giulio Romano (painter)|Giulio Romano]], ca. 1540.]]
Vespasian was declared emperor by the Senate while he was in Egypt on 21 December 69 through the passage of the ''[[Lex de imperio Vespasiani]]''; the Egyptians had declared him emperor in the summer. 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.<ref name="ReferenceA">Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'', LXV.2</ref>

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.

Before Vespasian, [[Nero|Emperor Nero]] introduced a [[urine tax]] on public toilets under the name of ''[[Vectigal Urinae|vectigal urinae]]'' in the 1st century AD (see [[Pay toilet#History|Pay toilet]]). However, the tax was removed after a while and it was Vespasian's new imposition of this tax around AD 70 which we still remember to this day, possibly giving origin to the Latin [[proverb]] ''[[Pecunia non olet]]'' ("Money does not stink"):<ref name=":1">{{Cite web| url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160414-history-bad-taxes-tax-day/| title=Feeling Overtaxed? The Romans Would Tax Your Urine| date=14 April 2016| website=National Geographic News| access-date=4 March 2019| archive-date=6 March 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043845/https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/04/160414-history-bad-taxes-tax-day/| url-status=dead}}</ref> Writing about Vespasian in their history books, [[Cassius Dio|Dio Cassius]] and [[Suetonius]] mentioned "When [Vespasian's] son [[Titus]] blamed him for even laying a tax upon urine, he applied to his nose a piece of the money he received in the first instalment, and asked him if it stunk. And he replying no, 'And yet,' said he, 'it is derived from urine". Since then, this phrase "Money does not stink" has been used to whitewash dubious or illegal origin of [[money]].<ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.gutenberg.org/files/6400/6400-h/6400-h.htm| title=''The Lives of the Twelve Caesars'', by C. Suetonius Tranquillus;| website=www.gutenberg.org| access-date=4 March 2019| archive-date=30 December 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181230052823/https://www.gutenberg.org/files/6400/6400-h/6400-h.htm| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/historiens/Dion/livre66.htm| title=Dion Cassius: Histoire Romaine : livre LXVIII (bilingue)| website=remacle.org| access-date=4 March 2019| archive-date=26 March 2013| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130326004005/http://remacle.org/bloodwolf/historiens/Dion/livre66.htm| url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://ancientstandard.com/2007/06/04/at-least-you-don%e2%80%99t-pay-urine-tax%e2%80%a6-1st-c-ad/| title=At Least You Don't Pay Urine Tax… (1st C AD) – Ancient History Blog| language=en-US| access-date=4 March 2019| archive-date=6 March 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306043312/https://ancientstandard.com/2007/06/04/at-least-you-don%e2%80%99t-pay-urine-tax%e2%80%a6-1st-c-ad/| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=http://www.italiannotebook.com/art-archaeology/vespasian-urinals/| title=ItalianNotebook – Vespasian's Legacy| website=www.italiannotebook.com| date=27 January 2014| language=en-US| access-date=4 March 2019| archive-date=6 March 2019| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190306054501/http://www.italiannotebook.com/art-archaeology/vespasian-urinals/| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web| url=https://www.heritagedaily.com/2016/05/did-you-know-the-romans-created-a-tax-on-urine/110998| title=The Romans created a tax on urine| last=HeritageDaily| date=4 May 2016| website=HeritageDaily – Archaeology News| language=en-US| access-date=4 March 2019| archive-date=1 July 2018| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701184709/https://www.heritagedaily.com/2016/05/did-you-know-the-romans-created-a-tax-on-urine/110998| url-status=live}}</ref>

====Turmoil through the Empire====

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.<ref>Tacitus, ''Histories'' IV</ref> Modern historians theorize that Vespasian had been and was continuing to consolidate support from the Egyptians before departing.<ref>Sullivan, Phillip, "A Note on Flavian Accession", ''[[The Classical Journal]]'', 1953, pp. 67–70</ref> 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.<ref name="ReferenceA"/> Notably Titus attended the consecration of a new [[Apis bull]] at [[Memphis, Egypt|Memphis]] in 70, and Vespasian's reign saw imperial patronage given to Egyptian temples: at the [[Dakhla Oasis]] in the [[Western Desert (Egypt)|Western Desert]] as well as [[Esna]], [[Temple of Kom Ombo|Kom Ombo]], [[Medinet Habu (temple)|Medinet Habu]], [[Gebel el-Silsila|Silsila]] in the [[Nile Valley]].<ref name=":52" />{{Rp|14}}

In addition to the uprising in Egypt, unrest and civil war continued in the rest of the empire in 70. Judea had been [[First Jewish–Roman War|rebelling since 66]]. Vespasian's son, [[Titus]], finally subdued the rebellion with the capture of Jerusalem and destruction of the [[Second Temple|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.<ref>e.g., Paul Barnett, ''Jesus & the Rise of Early Christianity'' p. 31; 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, "Jews".</ref> The Jewish temple at [[Leontopolis (Heliopolis)|Leontopolis]] was sacked in 73.<ref name=":52" />{{Rp|14}}

In January 70, 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 son-in-law, [[Quintus Petillius Cerialis]], by the end of 70.

=== Arrival in Rome and consolidation of power ===
In mid-70, Vespasian first went to Rome, dating his [[Tribune of the Plebs|tribunician]] years from 1 July 69.<ref name=":0" /> 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.<ref>Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'' LXVI.10</ref> Soldiers loyal to Vitellius were dismissed or punished.<ref>Suetonius, ''Vesp''. 8</ref> Vespasian also restructured the Senatorial and Equestrian orders, removing his enemies and adding his allies.<ref name="ReferenceB">Suetonius, ''The Lives of Twelve Caesars'', Life of Vespasian 9</ref> Regional autonomy of Greek provinces was repealed.<ref>Suetonius, ''Vesp''. 8; Philostratus II, ''Life of Apollonius'' 5.41</ref>

==== Propaganda campaign ====
[[File:Vespasian aureus Fortuna.png|thumb|Roman [[aureus]] depicting Vespasian as Emperor. The reverse shows the goddess [[Fortuna]]. Caption: IMP. CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG. / FORTVNA AVGVST]]
We know from Suetonius that the "unexpected and still quite new emperor was lacking ''auctoritas'' [{{langx|en|backing, support}}] and a certain ''maiestas'' [{{langx|en|majesty}}]".<ref>Suet., ''Vesp''. 7.2.</ref> Many modern historians note the increased amount of propaganda that appeared during Vespasian's reign.<ref>M. P. Charleswroth, "Flaviana", ''Journal of Roman Studies'' 27 (1938) 54–62</ref> A component of the propaganda was the [[Roman theology of victory|theology of victory]], which legitimized the right to rule through successful conquest.<ref name=":2">Porter, Stanley E.; Pitts, Andrew W. (2018). ''Christian Origins and the Establishment of the Early Jesus Movement''. Leiden: Brill. p. 303. {{ISBN|978-90-04-37274-0}}.</ref> This revolved around Vespasian's victory in Judea.<ref name=":2"/> Stories of a supernatural emperor who was destined to rule circulated in the empire.<ref name="Suetonius, Vesp. 4–5"/> Nearly one-third of all coins minted in Rome under Vespasian celebrated military victory or peace.<ref>Jones, William "Some Thoughts on the Propaganda of Vespasian and Domitian", ''The Classical Journal'', p. 251</ref> 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.<ref>Aqueduct and roads dedication speak of previous emperors' neglect, ''CIL'' vi, 1257(''ILS'' 218) and 931</ref> A temple of peace was constructed in the forum as well.<ref name="ReferenceB"/>

=== Construction and conspiracies ===
[[File:Pompeii Temple of Vespasian altar close-up.jpg|thumb|[[Relief]] depicting an [[animal sacrifice]], from an altar of the Temple of Vespasian in [[Pompeii]]]]
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.<ref name="ReferenceB" /> In 75, he erected a colossal statue of [[Apollo]], begun under [[Nero]], and he dedicated a stage of the theatre of Marcellus. He also began construction of the [[Colosseum]], using funds from the spoils of the [[Second Temple|Jewish Temple]] after the [[Siege of Jerusalem (70)|Siege of Jerusalem]].<ref>{{cite journal | last=Alföldy | first=Géza| title=Eine Bauinschrift Aus Dem Colosseum| journal=Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik| year=1995| volume=109| pages=195–226}}</ref> [[Suetonius]] claims that Vespasian was met with "constant conspiracies" against him.<ref>Suetonius, ''Vesp''. 25</ref> Only one conspiracy is known specifically, though. In 78 or 79, [[Titus Clodius Eprius Marcellus|Eprius Marcellus]] and [[Aulus Caecina Alienus]] attempted to kill Vespasian. Why these men turned against Vespasian is not known.

=== Roman expansion in Britain ===
Agricola was appointed to the command of the ''[[Legio XX Valeria Victrix]]'', stationed in Britain, in place of [[Marcus Roscius Coelius]], who had stirred up a mutiny against the governor, [[Marcus Vettius Bolanus]]. Britain had revolted during the year of civil war, and Bolanus was a mild governor. Agricola reimposed discipline on the legion and helped to consolidate Roman rule. In 71, Bolanus was replaced by a more aggressive governor, [[Quintus Petillius Cerialis]], and Agricola was able to display his talents as a commander in campaigns against the [[Brigantes]] in northern England.

=== Death ===
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]].

With the feeling of death overwhelming him on his deathbed, he incited: "Vae, puto deus fio." ("Dear me, I think I'm becoming a god").<ref>Suetonius, ''Life of Vespasian'', 23:4</ref> Then, according to [[Suetonius]]' ''[[The Twelve Caesars]]'':
{{blockquote|text=Taken on a sudden with such an attack of diarrhoea that he all but swooned, he said: "An emperor ought to die standing," and while he was struggling to get on his feet, he died in the arms of those who tried to help him, on the ninth day before the Kalends of July [June 23], at the age of sixty-nine years, seven months and seven days.| author=Suetonius| title=''Lives of the Twelve Caesars''| source="Life of Vespasian" §24<ref>{{cite web |url=https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html#24|title=C. Suetonius Tranquillus, Divus Vespasianus, chapter 24| website=[[LacusCurtius]]|access-date=29 April 2020}}</ref>}} He died on June 23, 79 AD, and was succeeded by his sons [[Titus]] and then [[Domitian]].

== Legacy ==
[[File:Colosseum in Rome, Italy - April 2007.jpg|thumb|Construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known as the [[Colosseum]], was begun by Vespasian and finished by his son Titus.]]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 [[rhetor]]s, 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 ''[[Pliny's Natural History|Natural History]]'', was written during Vespasian's reign, and dedicated to Vespasian's son Titus.<ref>Plin., ''HN'' [[s:Page:Pliny's Natural History Book 1.djvu/21|pref.]]</ref>

Vespasian distrusted philosophers in general. It was the talk of philosophers, who liked to glorify the [[Roman Republic|Republic]], that provoked Vespasian into reviving the obsolete penal laws against this profession as a precautionary measure.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}}

He was also noted for his benefactions to the people. Much money was spent on public works and the restoration and beautification of Rome: the [[Temple of Peace, Rome|Temple of Peace]] (also known as the Forum of Vespasian), new public baths<ref>{{cite book |last1=Fagan |first1=Garrett G. |title=Bathing in public in the Roman world |date=31 May 2002 |publisher=University of Michigan Press |isbn=978-0-472-08865-2 |page=329}}</ref> and the great show piece, the [[Colosseum]].<ref>Gunderson 2003: 640</ref>

Vespasian slightly debased the [[denarius]] during his reign, reducing the silver purity from 93.5% to 90%. The silver weight dropped from 2.97&nbsp;grams to 2.87&nbsp;grams.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.tulane.edu/~august/handouts/601cprin.htm |title=Roman Currency of the Principate |access-date=4 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081101003844/http://www.tulane.edu/~august/handouts/601cprin.htm |archive-date=1 November 2008 |url-status=dead  }}</ref>

In modern [[Romance languages]], urinals are named after him (for example, ''vespasiano'' in Italian, and ''vespasienne'' in French),<ref>{{cite web| url=http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1027375/toilettes-publiques-ville-marie-autonettoyantes-vespasiennes-modernes-verifications-atmosphare| title=Plus de 3&nbsp;M$ pour une douzaine de "&nbsp;vespasiennes&nbsp;" modernes| first=Zone Politique -| last=ICI.Radio-Canada.ca| website=Radio-Canada.ca| date=11 April 2017| access-date=29 September 2017| archive-date=29 September 2017| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929231741/http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1027375/toilettes-publiques-ville-marie-autonettoyantes-vespasiennes-modernes-verifications-atmosphare| url-status=live}}</ref> probably in reference to a tax he placed on urine collection.

=== Forging History ===
Vespasian approved histories written under his reign, ensuring biases against him were removed.<ref>Josephus, ''Against Apion'' 9</ref> He also gave financial rewards to writers.<ref>Suetonius, ''Vesp''. 18</ref> The ancient historians who lived through the period such as [[Tacitus]], [[Suetonius]] and [[Josephus]] speak suspiciously well of Vespasian while condemning the emperors who came before him.<ref>"Otho, Vitellius, and the Propaganda of Vespasian", ''The Classical Journal'' (1965), pp. 267–269</ref> Tacitus admits that his status was elevated by Vespasian, Josephus identifies Vespasian as a patron and saviour. Meanwhile, [[Pliny the Elder]] dedicated his ''Natural Histories'' to Vespasian's son, Titus.<ref>Tacitus, ''Histories'' I.1; Josephus, ''The Life of Flavius Josephus'' 72; Pliny the Elder, ''Natural Histories'', preface.</ref>

Those who spoke against Vespasian were punished. A number of [[Stoicism|Stoic]] philosophers were accused of corrupting students with inappropriate teachings and were expelled from Rome.<ref>Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'' LXVI.12</ref> [[Helvidius Priscus]], a pro-Republic philosopher, was executed for his teachings.<ref name="auto">Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'' LXVI.13</ref> Numerous other philosophers and writers had their works seized, destroyed and denounced for being deemed too critical of Vespasian's reign, some even posthumously.<ref name="auto"/>

According to Suetonius version of events however, Vespasian "bore the frank language of his friends, the quips of pleaders, and the impudence of the philosophers with the greatest patience" as it was only [[Helvidius Priscus]] to be put to death after he repeatedly affronted the Emperor with studied insults which he initially tried to ignore;<ref>Suetonius, Lives of the Twelve Caesars, Vespasian 15</ref> the philosopher [[Demetrius the Cynic|Demetrius]] for example was banished to an island and when Vespasian heard that Demetrius was still criticizing him, sending the exiled philosopher the message: "You are doing everything to force me to kill you, but I do not slay a barking dog."<ref>Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'', Book XVI, 13</ref>


==Family and personal life==

=== Ancestors and relatives ===
{{See also|Flavia gens}}
[[File:Naples Archaeology Museum (5914783258).jpg|thumb|Bust of Vespasian from [[National Archaeological Museum of Naples]]]]
His paternal grandfather, [[Titus Flavius Petro]], became the first to distinguish himself, rising to the rank of [[centurion]] and fighting at [[Battle of Pharsalus|Pharsalus]] for [[Pompey]] in 48 BC. Subsequently, he became a debt collector.<ref name="gm" /> Petro's son, [[Titus Flavius Sabinus (father of Vespasian)|Titus Flavius Sabinus]], worked as a [[customs (tax)|customs]] official in the province of [[Asia (Roman province)|Asia]] and became a [[moneylender]] on a small scale among the [[Helvetii]]. He earned a reputation as a scrupulous and honest "[[Farm (revenue leasing)|tax-farmer]]". Sabinus married up in status, to [[Vespasia Polla]], whose father had risen to the rank of [[Praefectus Castrorum|prefect of the camp]] and whose brother became a [[Roman Senate|Senator]].<ref name="gm" />

Sabinus and Vespasia had three children, the eldest of whom, a girl, died in infancy. The elder boy, [[Titus Flavius Sabinus (consul AD 47)|Titus Flavius Sabinus]], entered public life and pursued the ''[[cursus honorum]]''. Vespasian on the other hand, 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.<ref name="gm" />

=== Marriage and children ===
{{See also|Flavian dynasty}}
During this period he married [[Domitilla the Elder|Flavia Domitilla]], the daughter of [[Flavius Liberalis]] from [[Ferentium]] and formerly the mistress of [[Statilius Capella]], a Roman equestrian from [[Sabratha]] in [[Africa (Roman province)|Africa]].<ref>Suetonius, ''Vesp''. 3</ref> They had two sons, [[Titus|Titus Flavius Vespasianus]] (born 39) and [[Domitian|Titus Flavius Domitianus]] (born 51), and a daughter, [[Domitilla the Younger|Domitilla]] (born {{circa|45}}). His wife Domitilla and his daughter Domitilla both died before Vespasian became Emperor in 69. After the death of his wife, Vespasian's long-standing mistress, [[Caenis|Antonia Caenis]], became his wife in all but formal status, a relationship that continued until she died in 75.<ref name="gm" />

==Gallery==
<gallery widths="140" heights="180" class="center">
File:Head of Vespasianus in Palazzo Massimo (Rome).jpg|[[Roman portraiture|Portrait bust]] of Vespasian wearing the [[civic crown]], [[Palazzo Massimo alle Terme|Palazzo Massimo]], Rome
File:Vespasian, from Ostia, 69-79 CE, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Rome (13643233603).jpg|Portrait bust of Vespasian from [[Ostia Antica|Ostia]], 69–79 AD, [[Palazzo Massimo alle Terme]], Rome
File:Vespasian - Vatikanische Museen.jpg|Restored original portrait of Vespasian. [[Vatican Museums]], Rome
File:Vespasianus01 pushkin.jpg|Replica of a modern bust of Vespasian,<ref>[https://collections.louvre.fr/en/ark:/53355/cl010275411# Buste de Vespasien]</ref> [[Pushkin Museum]], Moscow
File:Vespasiano, 80 dc ca, s.n..JPG|Bust of Vespasian, {{circa|80 AD}}, [[Farnese Collection]], [[Naples National Archaeological Museum]]
</gallery>

==Flavian family tree==
{{Flavian family tree}}

== See also ==
* [[Stele of Vespasian]]
* [[List of Roman emperors]]
* [[Pecunia non olet]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{EB1911|wstitle=Vespasian|volume=27}}

== Sources ==
===Primary sources===
* [[s:The Histories (Tacitus)|Tacitus, ''Histories'']], English translation
* [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html Suetonius, ''The Lives of Twelve Caesars'', Life of Vespasian], Latin text with English translation
* [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/64*.html Cassius Dio, ''Roman History'', Books 64], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html 65] and [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/66*.html 66], Latin text with English translation
* [[s:The War of the Jews/Book II|Flavius Josephus, ''The War of the Jews'', Books 2]], [[s:The War of the Jews/Book III|3]] and [[s:The War of the Jews/Book IV|4]], English translation

===Secondary sources===
* {{cite book |last=Cooley |year=2012 |first=Alison E. |title=The Cambridge Manual of Latin Epigraphy |publisher=Cambridge University Press |isbn=978-0-521-84026-2 |url={{googlebooks|VlghAwAAQBAJ|plainurl=y}} |author-link=Alison E. Cooley |ref={{sfnref|Cooley}} }}
* Lissner, I. (1958). "''Power and Folly: The Story of the Caesars''". Jonathan Cape Ltd., London.
* {{cite book |pages=[https://archive.org/details/69adyearoffourem00gwyn/page/170 170–173] |title=69 A. D. The Year of the Four Emperors |last=Morgan |first=Gwyn |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2006 |location=London |isbn=978-0-19-512468-2  |url=https://archive.org/details/69adyearoffourem00gwyn/page/170 }}
* {{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ui4lDwAAQBAJ|title=Vespasian|author=Levick|first=Barbara|year=1999|publisher=Routledge|location=Oxford|isbn=978-0-415-16618-8}}
* {{cite book | editor-last1=Roberts | editor-first1=J. | date=2007 | chapter=Vespasian (Titus Flāvius Vespāsiānus) | chapter-url=http://www.oxfordreference.com/view/10.1093/acref/9780192801463.001.0001/acref-9780192801463-e-2307?rskey=hEJm2u&result=2307%20Vespasian | title=Oxford Dictionary of the Classical World | publisher=Oxford University Press |isbn=978-0-19-172706-1}}
* {{cite thesis | last=Caldwell | first=T. | year=2015 | title=The Career of Licinius Mucianus | type=MA | publisher=The University of Melbourne | hdl=11343/91093}}

== Further reading ==
* [http://www.roman-emperors.org/vespasia.htm ''De Imperatoribus Romanis''], biography
* [http://virtualreligion.net/iho/vespasian.html Entry on Vespasian] in historical sourcebook by Mahlon H. Smith
* [http://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=241 Private collection] of coins minted by Vespasian
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100712205746/http://homeros.godsong.org/FRANKS_CASKET.pdf ''The Cipherment of the Franks Casket'']; A. Simmons; Vespasian is depicted on the back side of the [[Franks Casket]]

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Vespasianus|Vespasian}}

{{S-start}}
{{S-hou|[[Flavian dynasty]]|17 November|AD 9 |23 June|AD 79 }}
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|regent2=[[Nerva]] (71)
|regent3=[[Titus]] (72)
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{{s-aft|after=[[Titus]]|after2=[[Domitian]]}}
{{S-end}}

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[[Category:Vespasian| ]]
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