Born in 9 AD – died 79 AD Emporer from AD Suceeded Nero who died in 68 AD Came to power after Year of Four Emporers Restored peace and stability to empire in disarray Established Flavian dynasty
Vespasian’s rise to power After death of Gaius in AD 41, Vespasian advanced rapidly, thanks to Claudius who took over power In 51 AD Vespasian reached the rank of consul Resigned from political career for unknown reasons at this point Returned to politics when chosen proconsul of Africa in AD Returned to Rome and became a senior senator in Nero’s court In 66 AD Nero gave Vespasian a special command to put down the revolt in Judea In 68 AD Nero committed suicide, bringing chaos to the empire for the next 18 months
Year of Four Emporers After Nero died in 68 AD there were four emperors who claimed the position of emperor Galba, Marcus Salvius Otho and Aulus Vitellus each claimed the position of emperor By December 22, 69 AD Vespasian had fully assumed all of the titles and powers of the emperor Vespasian legitimized his new reign with vigor and he also promoted the principle of dynastic succession
Vespasian’s Emperorship Rebuilt the Capitol in Rome and built the Coliseum, a temple to Claudius and a temple of peace in the forum Raised taxes to pay for the building projects and was not well liked in doing that Died peacefully at Aquae Cutilae on June 23, 79 AD Deified in Rome and buried alongside the Julio-Claudians in the Mausoleum of Augustus
Born on December 30, 39 AD; one of three children of Vespasian Close friends with Claudius’ son Brittanicus from boyhood until Brittanicus’ death under Nero in 55 AD Early career posts remain obscure but in 61(?) AD he served as a military tribune. While in Britain he is said to have saved Vespasian’s life. Returning to rome in 64 AD Titus practiced law and little is known about his political career during this time. In AD Vespasian placed Titus at the head of a legion during the Jewish Revolt After Nero died in 68 AD little is heard from Titus during the year of four emperors except when he sieged Jerusalem
Titus’ Reign Titus was feared as the next Nero He poured capital into extensive building projects including the Coliseum and the Arch of Titus He also poured money into relieving distress in the area surrounding Mount Vesuvius from the eruption in 79 AD Died in 81 AD in same villa as his father Domitian diefied Titus and built several monuments to him incluyding the Temple of Vespasian and Titus.