VESPASIAN (Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus)

• Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus born on 17th November 9 AD at Falacrinae near Reate, north-east of Rome.
• Under Claudius, he commands the Second Legion 'Augusta' in the conquest of Britain in 43-47. See article: Maiden Castle
• Nero sends him to deal with the Jewish revolt, and in 67 AD he is appointed governor of Judaea.
• He is still bringing the war to a successful conclusion when Otho commits suicide (16th April 69 AD) and Vitellius enters Rome as emperor.
• In July 69 AD, the army in the east declare for Vespasian.
• Antonius Primus, commander of the Sixth Legion in Pannonia, and Cornelius Fuscus, imperial procurator in Illyricum, declare in favour of Vespasian and move the Danube legions to Italy.
• On 24th October, Vitellius's armies are defeated at The second Battle of Cremona.
• On 20th December 69 AD, Vespasian's army reaches Rome.
• Vitellius is killed and thrown into the Tiber.
• Vespasian leaves the Jewish war to Titus, his elder son and travels to Alexandria. He leave Rome to be jointly ruled by his younger son, Domitian and Mucianus, governor of Syria.
• On 26 September 70, he leaves Egypt for Rome.
• Jerusalem falls soon after but Masada holds out until 74 AD.
• Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum), is built on the site of the ornamental lake of Nero's Golden House.
• He dies of an illness on 23rd June 79 AD to be succeeeded by his son son Titus.