Vespasian: Emperor of Rome

Formerly a victorious general in Britain and Palestine, he was able as Emperor to restore stability after the chaos that followed the death of Nero

Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus (known to us as Vespasian) was born on 17th November 9AD in the Sabine country near Rome, into a relatively poor family although his mother was the sister of a Roman senator. She was widowed at a young age, and so had to bring up two boys on her own.

Vespasian the soldier

Vespasian joined the army and served as a military tribune in Thrace, serving later in Crete and Cyrene and rising through the ranks. He married and had two sons, both of whom would later become Roman Emperor in turn (Titus and Domitian).

He served under Claudius during the latter’s campaign to conquer Britannia in 43AD, and led the 2nd Legion Augusta in capturing the Isle of Wight and then defeating the Durotriges tribe, in what is now Dorset, at their fortresses of Badbury, Hod Hill and Maiden Castle.

He served as consul in 51AD and as proconsul of Africa under Nero. At no time did he acquire any personal wealth, although there were accusations that he was dishonest in his financial dealings. Had he been so, he was clearly not very good at fraud and…