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Vespasian
Emperor of the Roman Empire
Vespasianus01 pushkin edit.png
Bust of Vespasian
Reign 1 July 69 – 23 June 79
Predecessor Vitellius
Successor Titus
Born (9-11-17)17 November 9
Falacrina
Died 23 June 79(79-06-23) (aged 69)
Rome
Burial Rome
Wives
  • Domitilla the Elder (died before 69)
  • Caenis (mistress and de facto wife c. 65– 74)
Issue Titus
Domitian
Domitilla the Younger
Full name
Titus Flavius Vespasianus (from birth to accession);
Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus (as emperor)
Dynasty Flavian
Father Titus Flavius Sabinus I
Mother Vespasia Polla

Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus, 17 November 9 AD – 23 June 79), was Roman Emperor from 69 AD to 79.

Vespasian was the founder of the Flavian dynasty which ruled the empire for a quarter century. Although he held the consulship in 51 AD, Vespasian became more highly regarded as a successful military commander. He took part in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD,p16 and the Jewish rebellion of 66 AD.p29–38

While Vespasian was preparing to besiege 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 died in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in April 69 AD.

In response, the armies in Egypt and Judaea declared Vespasian emperor on July 1.p43 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 factual information survives about Vespasian's government during the ten years he was emperor. His reign is best known for financial reforms, 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.

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