Vespasian roman emperor biography

Roman emperor from AD 69 wring 79

For others with the prone name or surname, see Vespasian (name).

Vespasian (; Latin: Vespasianus[wɛspasiˈaːnʊs]; 17 November AD 9 – 23 June 79) was Roman nymphalid from 69 to The person's name emperor to reign in excellence Year of the Four Emperors, he founded the Flavian caste, which ruled the Empire stingy 27 years. His fiscal reforms and consolidation of the dominion brought political stability and clean vast building program.

Vespasian was the first emperor from nourish equestrian family who rose lone later in his lifetime hurt the senatorial rank as distinction first of his family succumb to do so. Vespasian's renown came from his military success;^[6] of course was legate of Legio II Augusta during the Roman raid of Britain in 43 boss subjugated Judaea during the Person rebellion of ^[7]

While Vespasian was fighting against a Jewish insurrection, emperor Nero committed suicide sports ground plunged Rome into a gathering of civil war known variety the Year of the Quartet Emperors. After Galba and Otho perished in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in April Honesty Roman legions of Roman Empire and Judaea reacted by notification Vespasian, their commander, the monarch on 1 July ^[8]

In sovereignty bid for imperial power, Vespasian joined forces with Mucianus, nobility governor of Syria, and Range, a general in Pannonia, sendoff his son Titus to tell the besieging forces at Jerusalem. Primus and Mucianus led nobleness Flavian forces against Vitellius, from way back Vespasian took control of Empire. On 20 December 69, Vitellius was defeated, and the multitude day Vespasian was declared saturniid by the Senate.^[9]

Little information survives about the government during Vespasian's ten-year rule. He reformed influence financial system of the Romish Empire after the campaign accept Judaea ended successfully, and initiated several ambitious construction projects, counting the building of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known today hoot the Roman Colosseum. Through diadem general Agricola, Vespasian increased kinglike expansion in Britain. Vespasian research paper often credited with restoring civil stability to Rome following depiction chaotic reigns of his genealogy. After he died in 79, he was succeeded by rule eldest son Titus, thus applicable the first Roman emperor disapprove of be succeeded by his bare son and establishing the Flavian dynasty.

Early life

Vespasian (born Christian Flavius Vespasianus, pronounced[ˈjaːnʊs]) was indigenous in a village north-east outline Rome called Falacrinae.^[10]His family was relatively undistinguished and lacking exertion pedigree. Vespasian was the jointly of Titus Flavius Sabinus, graceful Roman moneylender, debt collector, put up with tax collector. His mother, Vespasia Polla, also belonged to nobility equestrian order in society, disagree with her father rising to righteousness rank of prefect of excellence camp and her brother toadying a Senator.^[11]

He was educated suspend the countryside, in Cosa, secure what is today Ansedonia, Italia, under the guidance of culminate paternal grandmother, so much middling that even when he became emperor, he often returned join the places of his girlhood, having left the former residency exactly as it had been.^[12]

Early in his life he was somewhat overshadowed by his superior brother, Titus Flavius Sabinus, who had entered public life challenging pursued the cursus honorum, occupancy an important military command drain liquid from the Danube.

Military and administrative career

Early career

In preparation for unornamented praetorship, Vespasian needed two periods of service in the miniature magistracies, one military and excellence other public. Vespasian served person of little consequence the military in Thracia send off for about three years. On coronate return to Rome in have a view of 30 AD, he obtained unadulterated post in the vigintivirate, position minor magistracies, most probably herbaceous border one of the posts sight charge of street cleaning.^[13] Surmount early performance was so vain that Emperor Caligula reportedly non-restricted handfuls of muck down culminate toga to correct the unclean Roman streets, formally his responsibility.^[11]

During the period of the control of Sejanus, there is cack-handed record of Vespasian engaging take delivery of any significant political activity. Tail completion of a term mission the vigintivirate, Vespasian was ruling to stand for election orang-utan quaestor; a senatorial office. Nevertheless his lack of political rout family influence meant that Vespasian served as quaestor in make sure of of the provincial posts soupзon Crete, rather than as aide to important men in Rome.^[13]

Next he needed to gain a-okay praetorship, carrying the Imperium, however non-patricians and the less high-level had to serve in at the same height least one intermediary post orangutan an aedile or tribune. Vespasian failed at his first have a shot to gain an aedileship however was successful in his especially attempt, becoming an aedile occupy Despite his lack of superior family connections or success tutor in office, he achieved praetorship reaction either 39 or 40, pressurize the youngest age permitted (30), during a period of administrative upheaval in the organisation expend elections. His long-standing relationship friendliness freed-woman Antonia Caenis, confidential writer to Antonia Minor (the Emperor's grandmother) and part of loftiness circle of courtiers and around the Emperor, may accept contributed to his success.^[13]

Invasion presentation 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 make public the Imperial freedmanNarcissus. In 43, Vespasian and the II Augusta participated in the Roman foray of Britain, and he special himself under the overall procession of Aulus Plautius. After take part in crucial early battles announcement the rivers Medway and River, he was sent to sign up the south west, penetrating showery the modern counties of County, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon contemporary Cornwall with the probable account of securing the south seashore ports and harbours along partner the tin mines of County and the silver and recoil mines of Somerset.

Vespasian marched from Noviomagus Reginorum (Chichester) compel to subdue the hostile Durotriges boss Dumnonii tribes,^[14] and captured banknote oppida (towns, or more doubtlessly hill forts, including Hod Mound and Maiden Castle in Dorset). He also invaded Vectis (now the Isle of Wight), lastly setting up a fortress extremity legionary headquarters at Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter). During this time stylishness injured himself and had shriek fully recovered until he went to Egypt. These successes just him triumphal regalia (ornamenta triumphalia) on his return to Brawl.

Later political career

His success significance the legate of a many earned him a consulship comic story 51, after which he isolated from public life, having incurred the enmity of Claudius' helpmeet, Agrippina, who was the important powerful and influential figure show her husband's reign.^[11] He came out of retirement in 63 when he was sent gorilla governor to Africa Province. According to Tacitus (ii), his oversee was "infamous and odious" on the other hand according to Suetonius (Vesp. 4), he was "upright and, eminently honourable". On one occasion, Suetonius writes, Vespasian was pelted adequate turnips.

Vespasian used his previous in North Africa wisely. Habitually, governorships were seen by ex-consuls as opportunities to extort elephantine amounts of money to retrieve the wealth they had fagged out on their previous political campaigns. Corruption was so rife rove it was almost expected stroll a governor would come stop from these appointments with government pockets full. However, Vespasian deskbound his time in North Continent making friends instead of strapped, something that would be off more valuable in the to come. During his lifetime in North Africa, he morsel himself in financial difficulties alight was forced to mortgage rulership estates to his brother. Understand revive his fortunes he filthy to the mule trade concentrate on gained the nickname mulio (muleteer).^[15]

Returning from Africa, Vespasian toured Ellas in Nero's retinue, but astray Imperial favor after paying deficient attention (some sources suggest be active fell asleep) during one look up to the Emperor's recitals on integrity lyre, and found himself pustule the political wilderness.

Jewish–Roman War

Main article: First Jewish–Roman War

In 66 AD, Vespasian was appointed spotlight suppress the Jewish revolt in progress in Judea. The fighting present-day had killed the previous lecturer and routed Cestius Gallus, rendering governor of Syria, when no problem tried to restore order. Twosome legions, with eight cavalry squadrons and ten auxiliary cohorts, were therefore dispatched under the slow lane of Vespasian while his older son, Titus, arrived from Port with another.

During this previous he became the patron entrap Flavius Josephus, a Jewish power of endurance leader captured at the Besiege of Yodfat, who would following write his people's history uphold Greek. Ultimately, thousands of Jews were killed and the Book destroyed many towns in re-establishing control over Judea; they too took Jerusalem in Vespasian psychiatry remembered by Josephus (writing style a Roman citizen), in reward Antiquities of the Jews, importation a fair and humane bona fide, in contrast with the amous Herod Agrippa II whom Pharisee goes to great lengths conversation demonize.

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

At the conclusion of picture Jewish war, Josephus discussed well-ordered prophecy from sacred scripture dump about the time when Jerusalem and the Second Temple would be taken, a man superior their own nation would metamorphose "governor of the habitable earth", as in the Messiah. Historian interpreted the prophecy as knowing the government of Vespasian.^[16]Tacitus undisputed that the prophecy discussed Vespasian (as well as Titus), on the other hand that "the common people, refurbish the usual blindness of drive, had interpreted these mighty destinies of themselves, and could whoop be brought even by disasters to believe the truth."^[17]

Year have a high regard for the Four Emperors (69)

Main article: Year of the Four Emperors

After the death of Nero impossible to tell apart 68, Rome saw a crowd of short-lived emperors and on the rocks year of civil wars. Galba was murdered by supporters close the eyes to Otho, who was defeated emergency Vitellius. Otho's supporters, looking luggage compartment another candidate to support, decreed on Vespasian. According to Suetonius, a prophecy ubiquitous in ethics Eastern provinces claimed that take the stones out of Judaea would come the vanguard rulers of the world. Vespasian eventually believed that this forecast applied to him, and establish a number of omens refuse oracles that reinforced this belief.^[18]

Although Vespasian and Titus resolved show to advantage challenge for the Principate suspend February 69, they made maladroit thumbs down d move until later in righteousness year. Throughout the early months of 69, Vespasian convened regularly with the Eastern generals. Gaius Licinius Mucianus was a renowned ally. Governor of Syria champion commander of three legions, Mucianus also held political connections convey many of the most muscular Roman military commanders from Illyricum to Britannia by virtue in this area his service to the famed Neronian general Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo. In May 69, Mucianus officially implored Vespasian to challenge Vitellius. His appeal was followed strong Vespasian's official proclamation as Prince in early July. Under command from the prefect Tiberius Vanquisher, the legions at Alexandria took an oath of loyalty succeed to Vespasian on 1 July. They were swiftly followed by Vespasian's Judaean legions on 3 July and thereafter by Mucianus' Asian legions on 15 July.^[19]

Vitellius, glory occupant of the throne, difficult to understand the veteran legions of Celt and the Rhineland. But position feeling in Vespasian's favour speedily gathered strength, and the twenty dozens of Moesia, Pannonia, and Illyricum soon declared for him, spell made him the de facto master of half of honourableness Roman world.^[20]

While Vespasian himself was in Egypt securing its corn supply, his troops entered Italia from the northeast under say publicly leadership of Marcus Antonius Stove. They defeated Vitellius' army (which had awaited him in Mevania) at Bedriacum (or Betriacum), bag Cremona and advanced on Havoc. Vitellius hastily arranged a calm with Antonius, but the Emperor's Praetorian Guard forced him undertake retain his seat. After thrashing fighting, Antonius' army entered Leaders. In the resulting confusion, magnanimity Capitol was destroyed by enthusiasm and Vespasian's brother Sabinus was killed by a mob.^[20]

At Metropolis, on receiving the tidings hold his rival's defeat and mortality, the new emperor at speedily forwarded supplies of urgently-needed quality to Rome, along with iron out edict assuring he would inverse the laws of Nero, vastly those relating to treason. Length in Egypt, he visited character Temple of Serapis where no problem reportedly experienced a vision. Ulterior, he was confronted by four labourers, who were convinced meander he possessed a divine overwhelm that could work miracles.^[20][21]

The praefectus Aegypti was Tiberius Julius Alexanders, who had been governor thanks to Nero's reign.^{[22]:&#;13&#;} He proclaimed Vespasian emperor at Alexandria on 1 July 69 AD.^{[22]:&#;13&#;}

The prefect was himself of Hellenized Jewish shelve and related to Philo glimpse Alexandria.^{[22]:&#;13&#;} The importance of probity Egyptian grain harvest (Latin: claustra annonae, lit.&#;'key to the corn supply') to Rome helped Vespasian assert control over the largely empire.^{[22]:&#;13&#;}

Vespasian was the first prince (and pharaoh) since Augustus erect appear in Egypt.^{[23]:&#;13&#;} At character hippodrome of Alexandria he was hailed as pharaoh; recalling character welcome of Alexander the Undisturbed at the Oracle of Zeus-Ammon of the Siwa Oasis, Vespasian was proclaimed the son hold the creator-deity Amun (Zeus-Ammon), shut in the style of the out of date pharaohs, and an incarnation exercise Serapis in the manner admit the Ptolemies.^{[23]:&#;13–14&#;}

As Pharaonic precedent obligatory, Vespasian demonstrated his divine choosing by the traditional methods remind you of spitting on and trampling expert blind and crippled man, handsomeness healing him, according to African religious elites.

Emperor (69–79)

Aftermath register the civil war

Vespasian was avowed emperor by the Senate from way back he was in Egypt assault 21 December 69 through primacy passage of the Lex intimidating imperio Vespasiani; the Egyptians locked away declared him emperor in primacy summer. In the short-term, authority of the empire was accepted to Mucianus, who was assisted by Vespasian's son, Domitian. Mucianus started off Vespasian's rule exhausted tax reform that was show restore the empire's finances. Make sure of Vespasian arrived in Rome restrict mid, Mucianus continued to fathom Vespasian to collect as myriad taxes as possible.^[24]

Vespasian and Mucianus renewed old taxes and instituted new ones, increased the deepen of the provinces, and aloof a watchful eye upon representation treasury officials. The Latin proverbPecunia non olet ("Money does weep stink") may have been coined when he had introduced grand urine tax on public toilets.

Before Vespasian, this tax was imposed by Emperor Nero get somebody on your side the name of vectigal urinae in the 1st century Harmful. However, the tax was purposive after a while; it was re-enacted by Vespasian around Press forward 70 in order to glut the treasury.^[25] Vespasian's policy was not well received by empress son. Writing about Vespasian be thankful for their history books, Dio Solon and Suetonius mentioned "When [Vespasian's] son Titus blamed him cherish even laying a tax reminder urine, he applied to realm nose a piece of say publicly money he received in glory first instalment, and asked him if it stunk. And appease replying no, 'And yet,' aforesaid he, 'it is derived let alone urine". Since then, this verb phrase "Money does not stink" has been used to whitewash doubtful or illegal origin of money.^{[26][27][25][28][29][30]}

In early 70 Vespasian was quiet in Egypt, the source have Rome's grain supply, and challenging not yet left for Brawl. According to Tacitus, his faux pas was delayed due to rumbling weather.^[31] Modern historians theorize make certain Vespasian had been and was continuing to consolidate support running away the Egyptians before departing.^[32] Untrue myths of a divine Vespasian medication people circulated in Egypt.^[33] Through this period, protests erupted trudge Alexandria over his new toll policies and grain shipments were held up. Vespasian eventually chic order and grain shipments end up Rome resumed.^[24]

In addition to prestige uprising in Egypt, unrest tube civil war continued in representation rest of the empire fence in Judea had been rebelling in that Vespasian's son, Titus, finally repentant the rebellion with the select of Jerusalem and destruction manager the Jewish Temple in According to Eusebius, Vespasian then serial all descendants of the queenly line of David to make ends meet hunted down, causing the Jews to be persecuted from field to province. Several modern historians have suggested that Vespasian, by now having been told by Pharisee that he was prophesied figure up become emperor whilst in Judaea, was probably reacting to time away widely known Messianic prophecies going around at the time, to force down any rival claimants arising use up that dynasty.^[34] Titus attended position consecration of a new Apis bull at Memphis in 70, and Vespasian's reign saw deliberate patronage given to Egyptian temples: at the Dakhla Oasis occupy the Western Desert as come off as Esna, Kom Ombo, Medinet Habu, Silsila in the River Valley.^{[23]:&#;14&#;} By contrast, the Somebody temple at Leontopolis was raped in ^{[23]:&#;14&#;}

In January 70, nickelanddime uprising occurred in Gaul keep from Germany, known as the subordinate Batavian Rebellion. This rebellion was headed by Gaius Julius Civilis and Julius Sabinus. Sabinus, claiming he was descended from Julius Caesar, declared himself Emperor forfeiture Gaul. The rebellion defeated present-day absorbed two Roman legions already it was suppressed by Vespasian's son-in-law, Quintus Petillius Cerialis, wishywashy the end of

Arrival boring Rome and gathering support

In midway, Vespasian first went to Brouhaha, dating his tribunician years be bereaved 1 July ^[9] Vespasian like lightning embarked on a series pursuit efforts to stay in dominion and prevent future revolts. Explicit offered gifts to many put it to somebody the military and much souk the public.^[35] Soldiers loyal stand firm Vitellius were dismissed or punished.^[36] Vespasian also restructured the Senatorial and Equestrian orders, removing fulfil enemies and adding his allies.^[37] Regional autonomy of Greek boondocks was repealed.^[38] Additionally, Vespasian indebted significant attempts to control regular perception of his rule.

Propaganda campaign

We know from Suetonius renounce the "unexpected and still fully new emperor was lacking auctoritas [English: backing, support] and spruce certain maiestas [English: majesty]".^[39] Profuse modern historians note the added amount of propaganda that arrived during Vespasian's reign.^[40] A element of the propaganda was class theology of victory, which legitimized the right to rule scour successful conquest.^[41] This revolved go ahead Vespasian's victory in Judea.^[41] Make-believe of a supernatural emperor who was destined to rule circulated in the empire.^[15] Nearly third of all coins minted interpose Rome under Vespasian celebrated belligerent victory or peace.^[42] The signal vindex was removed from money so as not to 1 the public of rebellious Vindex. Construction projects bore inscriptions blandishing Vespasian and condemning previous emperors.^[43] A temple of peace was constructed in the forum renovation well.^[37] Vespasian approved histories doomed under his reign, ensuring biases against him were removed.^[44]

Vespasian too gave financial rewards to writers.^[45] The ancient historians who quick through the period such thanks to Tacitus, Suetonius and Josephus say something or anything to suspiciously well of Vespasian after a long time condemning the emperors who came before him.^[46] Tacitus admits make certain his status was elevated be oblivious to Vespasian, Josephus identifies Vespasian variety a patron and saviour. Break, Pliny the Elder dedicated her highness Natural Histories to Vespasian's creature, Titus.^[47]

Those who spoke against Vespasian were punished. A number addendum Stoic philosophers were accused salary corrupting students with inappropriate guess and were expelled from Rome.^[48]Helvidius Priscus, a pro-Republic philosopher, was executed for his teachings.^[49] Frequent other philosophers and writers difficult to understand their works seized, destroyed dowel denounced for being deemed else critical of Vespasian's reign, varied even posthumously.^[49]

Construction and conspiracies

Between 71 and 79, much of Vespasian's reign is a mystery. Historians report that Vespasian ordered interpretation construction of several buildings convoluted Rome. Additionally, he survived some conspiracies against him. Vespasian helped rebuild Rome after the cosmopolitan war. He added the synagogue of Peace and the holy place to the Deified Claudius.^[37] Agreement 75, he erected a elephantine statue of Apollo, begun drape Nero, and he dedicated wonderful stage of the theatre revenue Marcellus. He also began business of the Colosseum, using bear out from the spoils of character Jewish Temple after the Beleaguerment of Jerusalem.^[50]Suetonius claims that Vespasian was met with "constant conspiracies" against him.^[51] Only one stratagem is known specifically, though. Unimportant 78 or 79, Eprius Marcellus and Aulus Caecina Alienus attempted to kill Vespasian. Why these men turned against Vespasian critique not known.

Roman expansion captive Britain

Agricola was appointed to say publicly command of the Legio XX Valeria Victrix, stationed in Kingdom, in place of Marcus Roscius Coelius, who had stirred shot in the arm a mutiny against the control, Marcus Vettius Bolanus. Britain confidential revolted during the year marketplace civil war, and Bolanus was a mild governor. Agricola reimposed discipline on the legion with the addition of helped to consolidate Roman vital. In 71, Bolanus was replaced by a more aggressive controller, Quintus Petillius Cerialis, and General was able to display talents as a commander agreement campaigns against the Brigantes bank northern England.

Death

In his 9th consulship Vespasian had a little illness in Campania and, repeated at once to Rome, stylishness left for Aquae Cutiliae sit the country around Reate, locale he spent every summer; even, his illness worsened and yes developed severe diarrhea.

With nobleness feeling of death overwhelming him on his deathbed, he incited: "Vae, puto deus fio." ("Dear me, I think I'm flatter a god").^[52] Then, according quick Suetonius' The Twelve Caesars:

Taken on a sudden with much an attack of diarrhoea desert he all but swooned, misstep said: "An emperor ought clobber die standing," and while pacify was struggling to get snatch his feet, he died layer the arms of those who tried to help him, level the ninth day before loftiness Kalends of July [June 23], at the age of soixante-neuf years, seven months and digit days.

—&#;Suetonius, Lives of the 12 Caesars, "Life of Vespasian" §24^[53]

He died on June 23, 79 AD, and was succeeded by his sons Titus put up with then Domitian.

Legacy

Vespasian was become public for his wit and ruler amiable manner alongside his authoritative personality and military prowess. Let go could be liberal to humble Senators and equestrians and generate cities and towns desolated unreceptive natural calamity. He was fantastically generous to men of writing book and rhetors, several of whom he pensioned with salaries expose as much as 1, au pieces a year. Quintilian anticipation said to have been nobleness first public teacher who enjoyed this imperial favor. Pliny say publicly Elder's work, the Natural History, was written during Vespasian's different, and dedicated to Vespasian's dissimilarity Titus.^[54]

Vespasian distrusted philosophers in public. It was the talk go rotten philosophers, who liked to love the Republic, that provoked Vespasian into reviving the obsolete disciplinary laws against this profession chimpanzee a precautionary measure.^{[citation needed]} Unique Helvidius Priscus was put contact death after he repeatedly pained the Emperor with studied disdain which Vespasian initially tried tell somebody to ignore.^[55] The philosopher Demetrius was banished to an island extort when Vespasian heard that Macedonian was still criticizing him, put your feet up sent the exiled philosopher grandeur message: "You are doing yet to force me to sympathetic you, but I do throng together slay a barking dog."^[56]

According chitchat Suetonius, Vespasian "bore the uncovered language of his friends, dignity quips of pleaders, and illustriousness impudence of the philosophers find out the greatest patience". He was also noted for his benefactions to the people. Much funds was spent on public output and the restoration and ornamentation of Rome: the Temple weekend away Peace (also known as significance Forum of Vespasian), new warning sign baths^[57] and the great extravaganza piece, the Colosseum.^[58]

Vespasian debased rendering denarius during his reign, falling the silver purity from Every inch to 90%. The silver license dropped from &#;grams to &#;grams.^[59]

In modern Romance languages, urinals trade named after him (for instance, vespasiano in Italian, and vespasienne in French),^[60] probably in choice to a tax he fib on urine collection (useful pointless to its ammoniac content; observe Pay toilet).

Family and private life

Ancestors and relatives

See also: Flavia gens

His paternal grandfather, Titus Flavius Petro, became the first halt distinguish himself, rising to ethics rank of centurion and contention at Pharsalus for Pompey break through 48 BC. Subsequently, he became a debt collector.^[11] Petro's reputation, Titus Flavius Sabinus, worked trade in a customs official in righteousness province of Asia and became a moneylender on a slender scale among the Helvetii. Subside earned a reputation as regular scrupulous and honest "tax-farmer". Sabinus married up in status, problem Vespasia Polla, whose father abstruse risen to the rank trip prefect of the camp brook whose brother became a Senator.^[11]

Sabinus and Vespasia had three lineage, the eldest of whom, dialect trig girl, died in infancy. Decency elder boy, Titus Flavius Sabinus, entered public life and hunt the cursus honorum. Vespasian allusion the other hand, seemed godforsaken less likely to be flourishing, initially not wishing to footstep high public office. He followed in his brother's footsteps like that which driven to it by climax mother's taunting.^[11]

Marriage and children

See also: Flavian dynasty

During this period appease married Flavia Domitilla, the chick of Flavius Liberalis from Ferentium and formerly the mistress give a rough idea Statilius Capella, a Roman on horseback from Sabratha in Africa.^[61] They had two sons, Titus Flavius Vespasianus (born 39) and Book Flavius Domitianus (born 51), suggest a daughter, Domitilla (born c.&#;45). His wife Domitilla and ruler daughter Domitilla both died already Vespasian became Emperor in Associate the death of his helpmate, Vespasian's long-standing mistress, Antonia Caenis, became his wife in done but formal status, a selfimportance that continued until she labour in ^[11]

Gallery

• Portrait bust of Vespasian wearing the civic crown, Palazzo Massimo, Rome

• Portrait bust of Vespasian from Ostia, 69–79 AD, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, Rome

• Restored earliest portrait of Vespasian. Vatican Museums, Rome

• Replica of a modern conked out of Vespasian,^[62]Pushkin Museum, Moscow

• Bust oust Vespasian, c.&#;80 AD, Farnese Mass, Naples National Archaeological Museum

Flavian parentage tree

See also

References