Vespasian Last Coin ------------------ Next Coin Julia Titi

Roman Empire

Ruler: Titus as Caesar
Reigned: Caesar 69 -79 AD: Augustus 79 - 81 AD
Denomination: Brass Dupondius
Mint: Rome for use in Syria
Date of Issue: 74 AD
Obverse: Laureate head of Titus right. "T•CAESAR•IMP•PONT•"
Reverse: Winged caduceus between two crossed cornucopiae. "TR•POT•COS III•CENSOR•"
Reference: RCVM 2472, RIC II(1) Vesp 761
Weight: 11.8 gms
Diameter: 26.4 mm

TITUS (Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus)

  • Titus was born at Rome, 30th December 39 A.D.
  • His father Vespasian commanded the Second Legion 'Augusta' under Claudius in the conquest of Britain in 43-47.
  • Having completed his education, Titus embarked on a senatorial career, beginning as military tribune in Germany and Britain in 6l-63.
  • He became a close friend of Claudius's son Britannicus, and remained so until the latter was poisoned by Nero, nearly dying himself in the process.
  • 66-70 A.D., he was commander of the Fifteenth Legion 'Apollonaris', serving under his father in the Jewish War.
  • When Vespasian was proclaimed emperor on 1st July 69, Titus became Caesar.
  • While Vespasian returned to Rome, Titus remained to prosecute the Jewish War, finally capturing Jerusalem, after a lengthy siege, in September 70.
  • Titus returned to Rome in June 71.
  • He was regarded as callous and cruel. Titus's affair with Queen Berenice, a member of the Judaean royal family was considered an outrage by the populous.
  • When Titus succeeded his father on 24 June 79 many were convinced he would become another Nero, but instead became one of Rome's best rulers.
  • On 24 August 79, the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were destroyed out by the eruption of Vesuvius. Titus poured relief into the devastated area.
  • The only major military operations were in Britain, where the conquest of Scotland proceeded.
  • While summering in the Sabine hill-country in 81, Titus was struck down by a fever and died 13 September, to be succeeded by his brother, Domitian.

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