101-507: Titus (AD 39–81) was Roman emperor from 79 to 81. Titus may also refer to: Titus Titus Caesar Vespasianus ( / ˈ t aɪ t ə s / TY -təs ; 30 December 39 – 13 September AD 81) was Roman emperor from 79 to 81. A member of the Flavian dynasty , Titus succeeded his father Vespasian upon his death, becoming the first Roman emperor ever to succeed his biological father. Before becoming emperor, Titus gained renown as
202-725: A centurion under Pompey during Caesar's Civil War . His military career ended in disgrace when he fled the battlefield at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 BC. Nevertheless, Petro managed to improve his status by marrying the extremely-wealthy Tertulla, whose fortune guaranteed the upwards mobility of Petro's son Titus Flavius Sabinus I , Titus's grandfather. Sabinus himself amassed further wealth and possible equestrian status through his services as tax collector in Asia and banker in Helvetia . By marrying Vespasia Polla , he allied himself to
303-651: A civil war of their own by splitting the resistance in Jerusalem among several factions. The Sicarii , led by Menahem ben Judah , could hold on for long; the Zealots , led by Eleazar ben Simon , eventually fell under the command of the Galilean leader John of Gush Halav ; and the other northern rebel commander, Simon Bar Giora , managed to gain leadership over the Idumeans . Titus besieged Jerusalem . The Roman Army
404-470: A divine power that could work miracles . The praefectus Aegypti was Tiberius Julius Alexander , who had been governor since Nero's reign. He proclaimed Vespasian emperor at Alexandria on 1 July 69 AD. The prefect was himself of Hellenized Jewish descent and related to Philo of Alexandria . The importance of the Egyptian grain harvest (Latin: claustra annonae , lit. 'key to
505-464: A fair and humane official, in contrast with the notorious Herod Agrippa II whom Josephus goes to great lengths to demonize. While under the emperor's patronage, Josephus wrote that after the Roman Legio X Fretensis , accompanied by Vespasian, destroyed Jericho on 21 June 68, Vespasian took a group of Jews who could not swim (possibly Essenes from Qumran ), fettered them, and threw them into
606-648: A lavish parade containing treasures and captives from the war. Josephus describes a procession with large amounts of gold and silver carried along the route, followed by elaborate re-enactments of the war, Jewish prisoners and finally the treasures taken from the Temple of Jerusalem, including the Menorah and the Pentateuch . Simon Bar Giora was executed in the Forum , and the procession closed with religious sacrifices at
707-704: A military commander, serving under his father in Judea during the First Jewish–Roman War . The campaign came to a brief halt with the death of emperor Nero in 68, launching Vespasian's bid for the imperial power during the Year of the Four Emperors . When Vespasian was declared Emperor on 1 July 69, Titus was left in charge of ending the Jewish rebellion. In 70, he besieged and captured Jerusalem , and destroyed
808-542: A million people then lived in the Land of Israel, half of them Jewish, and sizable Jewish populations remained in the area after the war was over, even in the hard-hit region of Judea. However, 97,000 were captured and enslaved, including Simon Bar-Giora and John of Gischala . Many fled to areas around the Mediterranean Sea . Titus reportedly refused to accept a wreath of victory , as he claimed that he had not won
909-535: A new wife of a much more distinguished family, Marcia Furnilla . However, Marcia's family was closely linked to the opposition to Nero . Her uncle Barea Soranus and his daughter Servilia were among those who perished after the failed Pisonian conspiracy of 65. Some modern historians think that Titus divorced his wife because of her family's connection to the conspiracy. Titus never remarried and appears to have had daughters, at least one of them by Marcia Furnilla. The only one known to have survived to adulthood
1010-604: A number of omens and oracles that reinforced this belief. Although Vespasian and Titus resolved to challenge for the Principate in February 69, they made no move until later in the year. Throughout the early months of 69, Vespasian convened frequently with the Eastern generals. Gaius Licinius Mucianus was a notable ally. Governor of Syria and commander of three legions, Mucianus also held political connections to many of
1111-470: A praetorship, carrying the Imperium , but non- patricians and the less well-connected had to serve in at least one intermediary post as an aedile or tribune . Vespasian failed at his first attempt to gain an aedileship but was successful in his second attempt, becoming an aedile in 38. Despite his lack of significant family connections or success in office, he achieved praetorship in either 39 or 40, at
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#17327731269361212-577: A prisoner. He later wrote that he had provided the Romans with intelligence on the ongoing revolt. By 68, the entire coast and the north of Judaea were subjugated by the Roman Army, with decisive victories won at Taricheae and Gamala , where Titus distinguished himself as a skilled general. The last and most significant fortified city held by the Jewish resistance was Jerusalem. The campaign came to
1313-521: A pro-Republic philosopher, was executed for his teachings. Numerous other philosophers and writers had their works seized, destroyed and denounced for being deemed too critical of Vespasian's reign, some even posthumously. Between 71 and 79, much of Vespasian's reign is a mystery. Historians report that Vespasian ordered the construction of several buildings in Rome. Additionally, he survived several conspiracies against him. Vespasian helped rebuild Rome after
1414-481: A result of his actions, Titus received the title of imperator for the fifteenth time, between 9 September and 31 December 79 AD. His reign also saw the rebellion led by Terentius Maximus , one of several false Neros who appeared throughout the 70s. Although Nero was primarily known as a universally-hated tyrant, there is evidence that for much of his reign, he remained highly popular in the eastern provinces. Reports that Nero had survived his overthrow were fuelled by
1515-554: A sudden halt when news arrived of Nero's death. Almost simultaneously, the Roman Senate had declared Galba , the governor of Hispania , as emperor. Vespasian decided to await further orders and sent Titus to greet the new princeps . Before reaching Italy, Titus learnt that Galba had been murdered and replaced by Otho , the governor of Lusitania , and that Vitellius and his armies in Germania were preparing to march on
1616-432: A wrong, if in very truth they are demigods and possess any power. Consequently, no senators were put to death during his reign; he thus kept to his promise that he would assume the office of Pontifex Maximus "for the purpose of keeping his hands unstained". Informants were publicly punished and banished from the city. Titus further prevented abuses by making it unlawful for a person to be tried under different laws for
1717-401: A year of civil wars . Galba was murdered by supporters of Otho , who was defeated by Vitellius . Otho's supporters, looking for another candidate to support, settled on Vespasian. According to Suetonius, a prophecy ubiquitous in the Eastern provinces claimed that from Judaea would come the future rulers of the world. Vespasian eventually believed that this prophecy applied to him, and found
1818-464: Is known of Titus's early life has been handed down by Suetonius , who recorded that he was brought up at the imperial court in the company of Britannicus , the son of Emperor Claudius , who would be murdered by Nero in 55. The story was even told that Titus was reclining next to Britannicus on the night he was murdered and sipped of the poison that was handed to him. Further details on his education are scarce, but it seems he showed early promise in
1919-543: Is known specifically, though. In 78 or 79, Eprius Marcellus and Aulus Caecina Alienus attempted to kill Vespasian. Why these men turned against Vespasian is not known. Agricola was appointed to the command of the Legio XX Valeria Victrix , stationed in Britain, in place of Marcus Roscius Coelius , who had stirred up a mutiny against the governor, Marcus Vettius Bolanus . Britain had revolted during
2020-603: The Dead Sea to test the sea's legendary buoyancy . Indeed, the captives bobbed up to the surface after being thrown in the water from the boats. At the conclusion of the Jewish war, Josephus discussed a prophecy from sacred scripture that about the time when Jerusalem and the Second Temple would be taken, a man from their own nation would become "governor of the habitable earth", as in the Messiah . Josephus interpreted
2121-581: The Euphrates , where he was presented with a crown by Vologases I of Parthia . While he was visiting Antioch , he confirmed the traditional rights of the Jews in that city. On his way to Alexandria , he stopped in Memphis to consecrate the sacred bull Apis . According to Suetonius, that caused consternation since the ceremony required Titus to wear a diadem , which the Romans associated with monarchy, and
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#17327731269362222-476: The Isle of Wight ), finally setting up a fortress and legionary headquarters at Isca Dumnoniorum ( Exeter ). During this time he injured himself and had not fully recovered until he went to Egypt. These successes earned him triumphal regalia ( ornamenta triumphalia ) on his return to Rome. His success as the legate of a legion earned him a consulship in 51, after which he retired from public life, having incurred
2323-600: The Jewish rebellion of 66. While Vespasian was fighting against a Jewish rebellion , emperor Nero committed suicide and plunged Rome into a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. After Galba and Otho perished in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in April 69. The Roman legions of Roman Egypt and Judaea reacted by declaring Vespasian, their commander, the emperor on 1 July 69. In his bid for imperial power, Vespasian joined forces with Mucianus ,
2424-529: The Nile Valley . By contrast, the Jewish temple at Leontopolis was sacked in 73. In January 70, an uprising occurred in Gaul and Germany, known as the second Batavian Rebellion . This rebellion was headed by Gaius Julius Civilis and Julius Sabinus . Sabinus, claiming he was descended from Julius Caesar , declared himself Emperor of Gaul. The rebellion defeated and absorbed two Roman legions before it
2525-757: The Temple of Jupiter , the Diribitorium , parts of the Theatre of Pompey , and the Saepta Julia among others. Once again, Titus personally compensated for the damaged regions. According to Suetonius, a plague also broke out during the fire. The nature of the disease, however, and the death toll are unknown. Meanwhile, war had resumed in Britannia , where Gnaeus Julius Agricola pushed further into Caledonia and managed to establish several forts there. As
2626-516: The Temple of Jupiter . The triumphal Arch of Titus , which stands at one entrance to the Forum, memorialises the victory of Titus. With Vespasian declared emperor, Titus and his brother Domitian received the title of Caesar from the Senate. In addition to sharing tribunician power with his father, Titus held seven consulships during Vespasian's reign and acted as his secretary, appearing in
2727-569: The military arts and was a skilled poet and orator both in Greek and Latin . From around 57 to 59 he was a military tribune in Germania . He also served in Britannia and perhaps arrived about 60 with reinforcements needed after the revolt of Boudica . About 63, he returned to Rome and married Arrecina Tertulla , daughter of Marcus Arrecinus Clemens , a former Prefect of the Praetorian Guard . She died about 65. Titus then took
2828-567: The 1st century BC had contributed greatly to the demise of the old aristocracy of Rome, which was gradually replaced in prominence by a new Italian nobility during the early 1st century. One such family was the gens Flavia , which rose from relative obscurity to prominence in only four generations, acquiring wealth and status under the Emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty . Titus's great-grandfather, Titus Flavius Petro , had served as
2929-564: The Empire for 27 years. His fiscal reforms and consolidation of the empire brought political stability and a vast building program. Vespasian was the first emperor from an equestrian family who rose only later in his lifetime into the senatorial rank as the first of his family to do so. Vespasian's renown came from his military success; he was legate of Legio II Augusta during the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 and subjugated Judaea during
3030-581: The Flavians during the Jewish Wars . The inaugural games lasted for a hundred days and were said to be extremely elaborate, including gladiatorial combat , fights between wild animals ( elephants and cranes ), mock naval battles for which the theatre was flooded, horse races and chariot races. During the games, wooden balls were dropped into the audience, inscribed with various prizes (clothing, gold or even slaves ), which could then be traded for
3131-479: The Jewish side to be crucified around the city wall. By that time the Jews had been exhausted by famine, and when the weak third wall was breached, bitter street fighting ensued. The Romans finally captured the Antonia Fortress and began a frontal assault on the gates of the Second Temple . As they breached the gate, the Romans set the upper and lower city aflame, culminating with the destruction of
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3232-455: The Judaean and Syrian legions marched on Rome under the command of Mucianus, and Vespasian travelled to Alexandria , leaving Titus in charge to end the Jewish rebellion. By the end of 69, the forces of Vitellius had been beaten, and Vespasian was officially declared emperor by the Senate on 21 December, thus ending the Year of the Four Emperors . Meanwhile, the Jews had become embroiled in
3333-543: The Senate on his behalf. More crucially, he was appointed Praetorian prefect (commander of the Praetorian Guard ), ensuring its loyalty to the emperor and further solidifying Vespasian's position as a legitimate ruler. In that capacity, Titus achieved considerable notoriety in Rome for his violent actions, frequently ordering the execution of suspected traitors on the spot. When in 79, a plot by Aulus Caecina Alienus and Eprius Marcellus to overthrow Vespasian
3434-491: The Senatorial and Equestrian orders, removing his enemies and adding his allies. Regional autonomy of Greek provinces was repealed. Additionally, Vespasian made significant attempts to control public perception of his rule. We know from Suetonius that the "unexpected and still quite new emperor was lacking auctoritas [English: backing, support ] and a certain maiestas [English: majesty ]". Many modern historians note
3535-526: The Temple. When the fires subsided, Titus gave the order to destroy the remainder of the city, allegedly intending that no one would remember the name Jerusalem. The Temple was demolished, Titus's soldiers proclaimed him imperator in honour of the victory. Jerusalem was sacked and much of the population killed or dispersed. Josephus claims that 1,100,000 people were killed during the siege, most of whom were Jewish. Josephus's death toll assumptions are rejected as impossible by modern scholarship since about
3636-667: The capital, intent on overthrowing Otho. Not wanting to risk being taken hostage by one side or the other, he abandoned the journey to Rome and rejoined his father in Judaea. Meanwhile, Otho was defeated in the First Battle of Bedriacum and committed suicide. When the news reached the armies in Judaea and Ægyptus , they took matters into their own hands and declared Vespasian emperor on 1 July 69. Vespasian accepted and, after negotiations by Titus, joined forces with Gaius Licinius Mucianus , governor of Syria. A strong force drawn from
3737-519: The chaotic reigns of his predecessors. After he died in 79, he was succeeded by his eldest son Titus, thus becoming the first Roman emperor to be succeeded by his natural son and establishing the Flavian dynasty. Vespasian (born Titus Flavius Vespasianus, pronounced [ˈt̪ɪt̪ʊs ˈfɫaːwijʊs wɛs.pasiˈjaːnʊs] ) was born in a village north-east of Rome called Falacrinae . His family was relatively undistinguished and lacking in pedigree. Vespasian
3838-467: The cities and resort communities around the Bay of Naples . The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried under metres of stone and ash, killing thousands. Titus appointed two ex-consuls to organise and coordinate the relief effort and personally donated large amounts of money from the imperial treasury to aid the victims of the volcano. Additionally, he visited Pompeii once after the eruption and again
3939-470: The city and the Second Temple . For this achievement Titus was awarded a triumph ; the Arch of Titus commemorates his victory and still stands today. During his father's rule, Titus gained notoriety in Rome serving as prefect of the Praetorian Guard , and for carrying on a controversial relationship with the Jewish queen Berenice . Despite concerns over his character, Titus ruled to great acclaim following
4040-549: The city to Galilee , where they later gave themselves up to the Romans. Nero appointed Vespasian to put down the rebellion, who was dispatched to the region at once with the Fifth Legion and Tenth Legion . He was later joined at Ptolemais by Titus with the Fifteenth Legion . With a strength of 60,000 professional soldiers, the Romans prepared to sweep across Galilee and march on Jerusalem. The history of
4141-679: The civil war. He added the temple of Peace and the temple to the Deified Claudius. In 75, he erected a colossal statue of Apollo , begun under Nero , and he dedicated a stage of the theatre of Marcellus. He also began construction of the Colosseum , using funds from the spoils of the Jewish Temple after the Siege of Jerusalem . Suetonius claims that Vespasian was met with "constant conspiracies" against him. Only one conspiracy
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4242-539: The confusing circumstances of his death and several prophecies foretelling his return. According to Cassius Dio, Terentius Maximus resembled Nero in voice and appearance and, like him, sang to the lyre . Terentius established a following in Asia Minor but was soon forced to flee beyond the Euphrates and took refuge with the Parthians . In addition, sources state that Titus discovered that his brother Domitian
4343-452: The country around Reate , where he spent every summer; however, his illness worsened and he developed severe diarrhea . With the feeling of death overwhelming him on his deathbed, he incited: "Vae, puto deus fio." ("Dear me, I think I'm becoming a god"). Then, according to Suetonius ' The Twelve Caesars : Taken on a sudden with such an attack of diarrhoea that he all but swooned, he said: "An emperor ought to die standing," and while he
4444-456: The death of Vespasian on 23 June 79, and was considered a good emperor by Suetonius and other contemporary historians. As emperor, Titus is best known for completing the Colosseum and for his generosity in relieving the suffering caused by two disasters, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 and a fire in Rome in 80. After barely two years in office, Titus died of a fever on 13 September 81. He
4545-543: The designated item. Adjacent to the amphitheatre, within the precinct of Nero's Golden House , Titus had also ordered the construction of a new public bath house , the Baths of Titus . Construction of the building was hastily finished to coincide with the completion of the Flavian Amphitheatre. Practice of the imperial cult was revived by Titus, but apparently, it met with some difficulty since Vespasian
4646-640: The enmity of Claudius ' wife, Agrippina , who was the most powerful and influential figure in her husband's reign. He came out of retirement in 63 when he was sent as governor to Africa Province . According to Tacitus (ii.97), his rule was "infamous and odious" but according to Suetonius ( Vesp. 4), he was "upright and, highly honourable". On one occasion, Suetonius writes, Vespasian was pelted with turnips . Vespasian used his time in North Africa wisely. Usually, governorships were seen by ex-consuls as opportunities to extort huge amounts of money to regain
4747-411: The exact nature of his death and to which mistake Titus alluded in his final words. Philostratus wrote that he was poisoned by Domitian with a sea hare ( Aplysia depilans ) and that his death had been foretold to him by Apollonius of Tyana . Suetonius and Cassius Dio maintain that he died of natural causes, but both accuse Domitian of having left the ailing Titus for dead. Consequently, Dio believed
4848-537: The financial system of the Roman Empire after the campaign against Judaea ended successfully, and initiated several ambitious construction projects, including the building of the Flavian Amphitheatre, better known today as the Roman Colosseum . Through his general Agricola , Vespasian increased imperial expansion in Britain. Vespasian is often credited with restoring political stability to Rome following
4949-505: The first posting station where he died of a fever, reportedly in the same farmhouse as his father. Allegedly, the last words he uttered before passing away were "I have made but one mistake". Titus had ruled the Roman Empire for just over two years: from the death of his father in 79 to his own on 13 September 81. He was succeeded by Domitian , whose first act as emperor was to deify his brother. Historians have speculated on
5050-477: The following year. During the second visit, in spring of 80, a fire broke out in Rome and burned large parts of the city for three days and three nights. Although the extent of the damage was not as disastrous as during the Great Fire of 64 and crucially spared the many districts of insulae , Cassius Dio records a long list of important public buildings that were destroyed, including Agrippa's Pantheon ,
5151-433: The formation of networks of informers ( delators ), which terrorised Rome's political system for decades. Titus put an end to that practice against himself or anyone else and declared: It is impossible for me to be insulted or abused in any way. For I do naught that deserves censure, and I care not for what is reported falsely. As for the emperors who are dead and gone, they will avenge themselves in case anyone does them
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#17327731269365252-500: The governor of Syria , and Primus , a general in Pannonia , leaving his son Titus to command the besieging forces at Jerusalem . Primus and Mucianus led the Flavian forces against Vitellius, while Vespasian took control of Egypt. On 20 December 69, Vitellius was defeated, and the following day Vespasian was declared emperor by the Senate. Little information survives about the government during Vespasian's ten-year rule. He reformed
5353-624: The grain supply') to Rome helped Vespasian assert control over the whole empire. Vespasian was the first emperor (and pharaoh ) since Augustus to appear in Egypt. At the hippodrome of Alexandria he was hailed as pharaoh ; recalling the welcome of Alexander the Great at the Oracle of Zeus-Ammon of the Siwa Oasis , Vespasian was proclaimed the son of the creator-deity Amun (Zeus-Ammon), in
5454-546: The greatest virtues, instead of vices. One of his first acts as emperor was to order a halt to trials based on treason charges, which had long plagued the principate . The law of treason , or law of majestas , was originally intended to prosecute those who had corruptly "impaired the people and majesty of Rome" by any revolutionary action. Under Augustus , however, that custom had been revived and applied to cover slander and libel as well. This led to numerous trials and executions under Tiberius , Caligula , and Nero, and
5555-509: The increased amount of propaganda that appeared during Vespasian's reign. A component of the propaganda was the theology of victory , which legitimized the right to rule through successful conquest. This revolved around Vespasian's victory in Judea. Stories of a supernatural emperor who was destined to rule circulated in the empire. Nearly one-third of all coins minted in Rome under Vespasian celebrated military victory or peace. The word vindex
5656-485: The inhabitants by allowing pilgrims to enter the city to celebrate Passover and then refusing them egress. Jewish raids continuously harassed the Roman Army, one of which nearly resulted in Titus being captured. After attempts by Josephus to negotiate a surrender had failed, the Romans resumed hostilities and quickly breached the first and second walls of the city. To intimidate the resistance, Titus ordered deserters from
5757-610: The leadership of Marcus Antonius Primus . They defeated Vitellius' army (which had awaited him in Mevania ) at Bedriacum (or Betriacum), sacked Cremona and advanced on Rome. Vitellius hastily arranged a peace with Antonius, but the Emperor's Praetorian Guard forced him to retain his seat. After furious fighting, Antonius' army entered Rome. In the resulting confusion, the Capitol was destroyed by fire and Vespasian's brother Sabinus
5858-432: The mistake to refer to not having Titus's brother executed when he was found to be openly plotting against him. Vespasian Vespasian ( / v ɛ s ˈ p eɪ ʒ ( i ) ən , - z i ən / ; Latin : Vespasianus [wɛspasiˈaːnʊs] ; 17 November AD 9 – 23 June 79) was Roman emperor from 69 to 79. The last emperor to reign in the Year of the Four Emperors , he founded the Flavian dynasty , which ruled
5959-441: The more prestigious patrician gens Vespasia , ensuring the elevation of his sons Titus Flavius Sabinus II and Vespasian to the senatorial rank. The political career of Vespasian included the offices of quaestor , aedile and praetor and culminated with a consulship in 51, the year Domitian was born. As a military commander, he gained early renown by participating in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43. What little
6060-582: The most powerful Roman military commanders from Illyricum to Britannia by virtue of his service to the famous Neronian general Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo . In May 69, Mucianus formally implored Vespasian to challenge Vitellius. His appeal was followed by Vespasian's official proclamation as Emperor in early July. Under instructions from the prefect Tiberius Alexander, the legions at Alexandria took an oath of loyalty to Vespasian on 1 July. They were swiftly followed by Vespasian's Judaean legions on 3 July and thereafter by Mucianus' Syrian legions on 15 July. Vitellius ,
6161-577: The occupant of the throne, had the veteran legions of Gaul and the Rhineland . But the feeling in Vespasian's favour quickly gathered strength, and the armies of Moesia , Pannonia , and Illyricum soon declared for him, and made him the de facto master of half of the Roman world. While Vespasian himself was in Egypt securing its grain supply , his troops entered Italy from the northeast under
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#17327731269366262-511: The other public. Vespasian served in the military in Thracia for about three years. On his return to Rome in about 30 AD, he obtained a post in the vigintivirate , the minor magistracies, most probably in one of the posts in charge of street cleaning. His early performance was so unsuccessful that Emperor Caligula reportedly stuffed handfuls of muck down his toga to correct the uncleaned Roman streets, formally his responsibility. During
6363-427: The palace as his promised wife. The Romans were wary of the eastern queen and disapproved of their relationship. When the pair was publicly denounced by Cynics in the theatre, Titus acceded to the pressure and sent her away, but his reputation suffered further regardless. Vespasian died of an infection on 23 or 24 June 79 AD, and was immediately succeeded by his son Titus. He was the first Roman emperor to come to
6464-409: The partisanship of Titus's legions had already led to fears that he might rebel against his father. Titus returned quickly to Rome in the hope, according to Suetonius, of allaying any suspicions about his conduct. Upon his arrival in Rome in 71, Titus was awarded a triumph . Accompanied by Vespasian and Domitian, Titus rode into the city, enthusiastically saluted by the Roman populace and preceded by
6565-621: The passage of the Lex de imperio Vespasiani ; the Egyptians had declared him emperor in the summer. In the short-term, administration of the empire was given to Mucianus , who was aided by Vespasian's son, Domitian . Mucianus started off Vespasian's rule with tax reform that was to restore the empire's finances. After Vespasian arrived in Rome in mid-70, Mucianus continued to press Vespasian to collect as many taxes as possible. Vespasian and Mucianus renewed old taxes and instituted new ones, increased
6666-404: The patron of Flavius Josephus , a Jewish resistance leader captured at the Siege of Yodfat , who would later write his people's history in Greek. Ultimately, thousands of Jews were killed and the Romans destroyed many towns in re-establishing control over Judea; they also took Jerusalem in 70. Vespasian is remembered by Josephus (writing as a Roman citizen), in his Antiquities of the Jews , as
6767-458: The period of the ascendancy of Sejanus , there is no record of Vespasian engaging in any significant political activity. After completion of a term in the vigintivirate, Vespasian was entitled to stand for election as quaestor ; a senatorial office. But his lack of political or family influence meant that Vespasian served as quaestor in one of the provincial posts in Crete , rather than as assistant to important men in Rome. Next he needed to gain
6868-549: The period such as Tacitus , Suetonius and Josephus speak suspiciously well of Vespasian while condemning the emperors who came before him. Tacitus admits that his status was elevated by Vespasian, Josephus identifies Vespasian as a patron and saviour. Meanwhile, Pliny the Elder dedicated his Natural Histories to Vespasian's son, Titus. Those who spoke against Vespasian were punished. A number of Stoic philosophers were accused of corrupting students with inappropriate teachings and were expelled from Rome. Helvidius Priscus ,
6969-423: The places of his childhood, having left the former villa exactly as it had been. Early in his life he was somewhat overshadowed by his older brother, Titus Flavius Sabinus , who had entered public life and pursued the cursus honorum , holding an important military command in the Danube . In preparation for a praetorship , Vespasian needed two periods of service in the minor magistracies , one military and
7070-400: The prophecy as denoting the government of Vespasian. Tacitus agreed that the prophecy discussed Vespasian (as well as Titus), but that "the common people, with the usual blindness of ambition, had interpreted these mighty destinies of themselves, and could not be brought even by disasters to believe the truth." After the death of Nero in 68, Rome saw a succession of short-lived emperors and
7171-517: The same offense . Finally, when Berenice returned to Rome, he sent her away. As emperor, he became known for his generosity, and Suetonius states that upon realising he had brought no benefit to anyone during a whole day he remarked, "Friends, I have lost a day". Although Titus's brief reign was marked by a relative absence of major military or political conflicts, he faced a number of major disasters. A few months after his accession, Mount Vesuvius erupted . The eruption almost completely destroyed
7272-612: The south west, penetrating through the modern counties of Hampshire , Wiltshire , Dorset , Somerset , Devon and Cornwall with the probable objectives of securing the south coast ports and harbours along with the tin mines of Cornwall and the silver and lead mines of Somerset. Vespasian marched from Noviomagus Reginorum ( Chichester ) to subdue the hostile Durotriges and Dumnonii tribes, and captured twenty oppida (towns, or more probably hill forts , including Hod Hill and Maiden Castle in Dorset ). He also invaded Vectis (now
7373-476: The style of the ancient pharaohs, and an incarnation of Serapis in the manner of the Ptolemies. As Pharaonic precedent demanded, Vespasian demonstrated his divine election by the traditional methods of spitting on and trampling a blind and crippled man, miraculously healing him, according to Egyptian religious elites. Vespasian was declared emperor by the Senate while he was in Egypt on 21 December 69 through
7474-458: The throne after his own biological father. As Pharaoh of Egypt, Titus adopted the titulary Autokrator Titos Kaisaros Hununefer Benermerut ("Emperor Titus Caesar, the perfect and popular youth"). Because of his many (alleged) vices, many Romans feared that he would be another Nero. Against those expectations, however, Titus proved to be an effective emperor and was well loved by the population, who praised him highly when they found that he possessed
7575-550: The treasury. Vespasian's policy was not well received by his son. Writing about Vespasian in their history books, Dio Cassius and Suetonius mentioned "When [Vespasian's] son Titus blamed him for even laying a tax upon urine, he applied to his nose a piece of the money he received in the first instalment, and asked him if it stunk. And he replying no, 'And yet,' said he, 'it is derived from urine". Since then, this phrase "Money does not stink" has been used to whitewash dubious or illegal origin of money . In early 70 Vespasian
7676-452: The tribute of the provinces, and kept a watchful eye upon the treasury officials. The Latin proverb Pecunia non olet ("Money does not stink") may have been created when he had introduced a urine tax on public toilets. Before Vespasian, this tax was imposed by Emperor Nero under the name of vectigal urinae in the 1st century AD. However, the tax was removed after a while; it was re-enacted by Vespasian around AD 70 in order to fill
7777-530: The uprising in Egypt, unrest and civil war continued in the rest of the empire in 70. Judea had been rebelling since 66 . Vespasian's son, Titus , finally subdued the rebellion with the capture of Jerusalem and destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70. According to Eusebius , Vespasian then ordered all descendants of the royal line of David to be hunted down, causing the Jews to be persecuted from province to province. Several modern historians have suggested that Vespasian, already having been told by Josephus that he
7878-587: The victory on his own but had been the vehicle through which their God had manifested his wrath against his people. The Jewish diaspora during the Temple's destruction, according to Josephus , was in Parthia (Persia), Babylonia (Iraq), and Arabia , and some were beyond the Euphrates and in Adiabene (Kurdistan). Unable to sail to Italy during the winter, Titus celebrated elaborate games at Caesarea Maritima and Berytus and then travelled to Zeugma on
7979-505: The war was covered in detail by the Roman-Jewish historian Josephus in his work The War of the Jews . Josephus served as a commander in the city of Yodfat when the Roman army invaded Galilee in 67. After an exhausting siege which lasted 47 days, the city fell, with an estimated 40,000 killed. Titus, however, was not simply set on ending the war. Surviving one of several group suicides, Josephus surrendered to Vespasian and became
8080-420: The wealth they had spent on their previous political campaigns. Corruption was so rife that it was almost expected that a governor would come back from these appointments with his pockets full. However, Vespasian used his time in North Africa making friends instead of money, something that would be far more valuable in the years to come. During his time in North Africa, he found himself in financial difficulties and
8181-591: The year of civil war, and Bolanus was a mild governor. Agricola reimposed discipline on the legion and helped to consolidate Roman rule. In 71, Bolanus was replaced by a more aggressive governor, Quintus Petillius Cerialis , and Agricola was able to display his talents as a commander in campaigns against the Brigantes in northern England. In his ninth consulship Vespasian had a slight illness in Campania and, returning at once to Rome, he left for Aquae Cutiliae and
8282-412: The youngest age permitted (30), during a period of political upheaval in the organisation of elections. His long-standing relationship with freed-woman Antonia Caenis , confidential secretary to Antonia Minor (the Emperor's grandmother) and part of the circle of courtiers and servants around the Emperor, may have contributed to his success. Upon the accession of Claudius as emperor in 41, Vespasian
8383-558: Was Julia Flavia , perhaps Titus's child by Arrecina, whose mother was also named Julia. During this period Titus also practiced law and attained the rank of quaestor . In 66, the Jews of the Judaea Province revolted against the Roman Empire . Cestius Gallus , the legate of Syria , was defeated at the battle of Beth-Horon and forced to retreat from Jerusalem . The pro-Roman King Agrippa II and his sister Berenice fled
8484-596: Was deified by the Roman Senate and succeeded by his younger brother Domitian . Titus was born in Rome , probably on 30 December 39 AD, as the eldest son of Titus Flavius Vespasianus , commonly known as Vespasian, and Domitilla the Elder . He had one younger sister, Domitilla the Younger (born 45), and one younger brother, Titus Flavius Domitianus (born 51), commonly referred to as Domitian. Decades of civil war during
8585-518: Was appointed legate of Legio II Augusta , stationed in Germania , thanks to the influence of the Imperial freedman Narcissus . In 43, Vespasian and the II Augusta participated in the Roman invasion of Britain , and he distinguished himself under the overall command of Aulus Plautius . After participating in crucial early battles on the rivers Medway and Thames , he was sent to reduce
8686-427: Was appointed to suppress the Jewish revolt underway in Judea . The fighting there had killed the previous governor and routed Cestius Gallus , the governor of Syria , when he tried to restore order. Two legions, with eight cavalry squadrons and ten auxiliary cohorts, were therefore dispatched under the command of Vespasian while his elder son, Titus, arrived from Alexandria with another. During this time he became
8787-475: Was especially generous to men of letters and rhetors , several of whom he pensioned with salaries of as much as 1,000 gold pieces a year. Quintilian is said to have been the first public teacher who enjoyed this imperial favor. Pliny the Elder 's work, the Natural History , was written during Vespasian's reign, and dedicated to Vespasian's son Titus. Vespasian distrusted philosophers in general. It
8888-487: Was forced to mortgage his estates to his brother. To revive his fortunes he turned to the mule trade and gained the nickname mulio (muleteer). Returning from Africa, Vespasian toured Greece in Nero 's retinue, but lost Imperial favor after paying insufficient attention (some sources suggest he fell asleep) during one of the Emperor's recitals on the lyre , and found himself in the political wilderness. In 66 AD, Vespasian
8989-520: Was joined by the Twelfth Legion , which had been previously defeated under Cestius Gallus , and from Alexandria, Vespasian sent Tiberius Julius Alexander , governor of Egypt, to act as Titus' second in command. Titus surrounded the city with three legions (Vth, XIIth and XVth) on the western side and one (Xth) on the Mount of Olives to the east. He put pressure on the food and water supplies of
9090-454: Was killed by a mob. At Alexandria , on receiving the tidings of his rival's defeat and death, the new emperor at once forwarded supplies of urgently-needed grain to Rome, along with an edict assuring he would reverse the laws of Nero, especially those relating to treason . While in Egypt, he visited the Temple of Serapis where he reportedly experienced a vision . Later, he was confronted by two labourers, who were convinced that he possessed
9191-469: Was not deified until six months after his death. To honour and glorify the Flavian dynasty further, foundations were laid for what would later become the Temple of Vespasian and Titus , which was finished by Domitian. At the closing of the games, Titus officially dedicated the amphitheatre and the baths in what was his final recorded act as Emperor. He set out for the Sabine territories but fell ill at
9292-415: Was plotting against him but refused to have him killed or banished. Construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre, now better known as the Colosseum , was begun in 70 under Vespasian and was finally completed in 80 under Titus. In addition to providing spectacular entertainments to the Roman populace, the building was also conceived as a gigantic triumphal monument to commemorate the military achievements of
9393-574: Was prophesied to become emperor whilst in Judaea, was probably reacting to other widely known Messianic prophecies circulating at the time, to suppress any rival claimants arising from that dynasty. Titus attended the consecration of a new Apis bull at Memphis in 70, and Vespasian's reign saw imperial patronage given to Egyptian temples: at the Dakhla Oasis in the Western Desert as well as Esna , Kom Ombo , Medinet Habu , Silsila in
9494-419: Was removed from coins so as not to remind the public of rebellious Vindex . Construction projects bore inscriptions praising Vespasian and condemning previous emperors. A temple of peace was constructed in the forum as well. Vespasian approved histories written under his reign, ensuring biases against him were removed. Vespasian also gave financial rewards to writers. The ancient historians who lived through
9595-418: Was still criticizing him, he sent the exiled philosopher the message: "You are doing everything to force me to kill you, but I do not slay a barking dog." According to Suetonius, Vespasian "bore the frank language of his friends, the quips of pleaders, and the impudence of the philosophers with the greatest patience". He was also noted for his benefactions to the people. Much money was spent on public works and
9696-610: Was still in Egypt, the source of Rome's grain supply, and had not yet left for Rome. According to Tacitus , his trip was delayed due to bad weather. Modern historians theorize that Vespasian had been and was continuing to consolidate support from the Egyptians before departing. Stories of a divine Vespasian healing people circulated in Egypt. During this period, protests erupted in Alexandria over his new tax policies and grain shipments were held up. Vespasian eventually restored order and grain shipments to Rome resumed. In addition to
9797-580: Was struggling to get on his feet, he died in the arms of those who tried to help him, on the ninth day before the Kalends of July [June 23], at the age of sixty-nine years, seven months and seven days. He died on June 23, 79 AD, and was succeeded by his sons Titus and then Domitian . Vespasian was known for his wit and his amiable manner alongside his commanding personality and military prowess. He could be liberal to impoverished Senators and equestrians and to cities and towns desolated by natural calamity. He
9898-430: Was suppressed by Vespasian's son-in-law, Quintus Petillius Cerialis , by the end of 70. In mid-70, Vespasian first went to Rome, dating his tribunician years from 1 July 69. Vespasian immediately embarked on a series of efforts to stay in power and prevent future revolts. He offered gifts to many in the military and much of the public. Soldiers loyal to Vitellius were dismissed or punished. Vespasian also restructured
9999-530: Was the son of Titus Flavius Sabinus , a Roman moneylender, debt collector, and tax collector. His mother, Vespasia Polla , also belonged to the equestrian order in society, with her father rising to the rank of prefect of the camp and her brother becoming a Senator . He was educated in the countryside, in Cosa , near what is today Ansedonia , Italy , under the guidance of his paternal grandmother, so much so that even when he became emperor, he often returned to
10100-477: Was the talk of philosophers, who liked to glorify the Republic , that provoked Vespasian into reviving the obsolete penal laws against this profession as a precautionary measure. Only Helvidius Priscus was put to death after he repeatedly affronted the Emperor with studied insults which Vespasian initially tried to ignore. The philosopher Demetrius was banished to an island and when Vespasian heard that Demetrius
10201-484: Was uncovered, Titus invited Alienus to dinner and ordered him to be stabbed before he had even left the room. During the Jewish Wars, Titus had begun a love affair with Berenice , the sister of Agrippa II . The Herodians had collaborated with the Romans during the rebellion, and Berenice herself had supported Vespasian in his campaign to become emperor. In 75, she returned to Titus and openly lived with him in
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