in full Caesar Vespasianus Augustus orig. Titus Flavius Vespasianus
born Nov. 17?, AD 9, Reate, Latium
died June 24, 79
Roman emperor (69–79), founder of the Flavian dynasty .
Although of humble birth, he won military glory in Britain and was awarded a triumph by Claudius . In 63 he became proconsul of Africa. He reconquered Judaea except for Jerusalem (67–68) but stopped fighting on the death of Nero (68). After the murder of Galba , Vespasian was proclaimed emperor by the legions, while Colosseum , and reformed the army and Praetorian Guard . He ended the Jewish war (70) and the Rhineland revolt, adding lands in Germany and Britain and pacifying Wales. He was succeeded by his son Titus .
Vespasian, bust found at Ostia; in the Museo Nazionale Romano, Rome
Anderson-Alinari from Art Resource/EB Inc.