Transcript File
Vespasian was born in the Roman town of Reate (Rieti), about forty miles (sixty-five kilometers) north-west of Rome in the Sabine Hills. Vespasian distinguished himself in military campaigns in Britain and later became a trusted aide of the emperor Nero. Together with one of his sons, Titus, Vespasian conquered Judaea in 75 C.E. and celebrated with a magnificent triumphal procession through Rome. Part of the event, in particular the displaying of the seven-branched candlestick or "Menorah" from the Temple at Jerusalem, is shown on the Arch of Titus, in Rome (above). The proceeds from the conquest of Judaea provided funds for the building of the Colosseum and other famous buildings in Rome. Four years later, in 67 AD, Nero appointed Vespasian to put down the Jewish rebellion in Judaea. His success here, where others had failed, meant that, by 68 AD, Vespasian was one of Rome’s most successful generals. His humble origins had led Nero to believe that he was no threat. While Nero was alive, this was true. But then Nero died. After the murder of Galba, civil war was inevitable. What’s more, Vespasian had as good a claim to the throne as his two main rivals, Otho and Vitellius. In July 69 AD, Vespasian was proclaimed emperor by his troops, as well as legions in Egypt and Syria. He marched on Rome. Once in Italy, they found themselves facing Vitellius’ army: for the first time in 100 years, their enemy was Roman. By morning, Vespasian’s army had won the battle. They ransacked a nearby town and marched on, reaching Rome in December. The city became a battleground, with its citizens caught in the crossfire. Around 50,000 people were killed before the battle was over. Vespasian had won and, with no one left to fight, he was proclaimed emperor by the Senate. Vespasian was honest about the source of his power – military strength. Using his new position to grant himself more powers, Vespasian immediately began talking up his humble origins and publishing the divine omens he claimed had predicted his spectacular rise. Finally, he wasted no time establishing his dynasty, insisting that his two sons – Titus and Domitian– would succeed him. Next on the agenda was the need to restore war-torn Rome to something approaching its former glory. One of the first jobs was to raise money: Nero’s extravagance and the civil war had almost ruined Rome. By raising taxes and reclaiming public land, Vespasian was able to fill the city’s vaults with cold, hard, cash. He used some of this money on a massive building program, which included temples, a theater and early work on what would become the Colosseum. He then turned his attention to the army. In a wholesale reorganization, he restored discipline, removed officers loyal to Vitellius and ended the war in Judaea. In Britain, he conquered Wales and northern England. •Vespasian is known for so many achievements like... worked for Nero (an emperor of Rome before Vespasian) • elected proconsul of Africa in 63 A.D. • troops elected him emperor even before senators did • most known for is the Isle of Wight • granted stability for the future of Rome •conquered Vitellius's army •Vespasian also stopped the war in Judea • built temples, theaters, and early work on the Colloseum. Head from a marble statue of Vespasian, 7080 C.E., marble, 45 cm high, from Carthage, northern Africa © Trustees of the British Museum In ancient Rome, official portraits were an extremely important way for emperors to reach out to their subjects, and their public image was defined by them. As hundreds of surviving imperial statues show, there were only three ways in which the emperor could officially be represented: in the battle dress of a general; in a toga, the Roman state civilian costume; or nude, likened to a god. These styles powerfully and effectively evoked the emperor’s role as commander-in-chief, magistrate or priest, and finally as the ultimate embodiment of divine providence.