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On July 1, 69, Roman General Vespasian was first proclaimed Emperor by troops in Egypt during the year of the four emperors. An excerpt from the article:
"When Nero died and Galba took the throne, Vespasian and Titus waited in Judea for orders (Domitian was already in Rome). Since he had been somewhat loyal to Nero, Vespasian feared the future; however, Emperor Galba figured him of little consequence and ignored him. To demonstrate his lack of hostility to Galba, Vespasian sent Titus to Rome in late 68 CE; however, when Galba was murdered and the throne was up for grabs between Otho (governor of Lusitania) and Vitellius (governor of Lower Germany), Titus returned to Judea. Before he did anything he would regret, Vespasian decided to wait until a winner was declared. Cassius Dio wrote in his Roman History that “Vespasian was never inclined to be rash, and he hesitated very much about involving himself in such troublesome affairs.”
When Otho committed suicide in order to prevent future loss of life at the First Battle of Bedriacum, Vitellius was named the new emperor. It wasn't long, however, before rumblings against Vitellius began to appear in the West. Vespasian was the preferred choice among many in the army. With this growing animosity for Vitellius spreading to Rome, Vespasian acted quickly and sent troops to Italy to engage the new emperor, while he crossed Egypt and captured Alexandria, cutting off the grain supply to Rome. After Vitellius's loss to the army of the West at the Second Battle of Bedriacum, the soon-to-be-deposed emperor fled back to Rome planning to escape certain death; compromise and peace were out of the question. He now feared for his wife and children. Cassius Dio wrote, “One moment he was inclined to cling to the sovereignty and was making every preparation for war; the next moment he was ready to abdicate voluntarily and was making every preparation for returning to private life.” Vespasian's army dragged Vitellius from his hiding place, tortured and killed him, and threw his body in the Tiber. Much of the city, however, had already been pillaged and fires set throughout. Traveling to Rome, Vespasian was finally enthroned December 26, 69 CE."
"When Nero died and Galba took the throne, Vespasian and Titus waited in Judea for orders (Domitian was already in Rome). Since he had been somewhat loyal to Nero, Vespasian feared the future; however, Emperor Galba figured him of little consequence and ignored him. To demonstrate his lack of hostility to Galba, Vespasian sent Titus to Rome in late 68 CE; however, when Galba was murdered and the throne was up for grabs between Otho (governor of Lusitania) and Vitellius (governor of Lower Germany), Titus returned to Judea. Before he did anything he would regret, Vespasian decided to wait until a winner was declared. Cassius Dio wrote in his Roman History that “Vespasian was never inclined to be rash, and he hesitated very much about involving himself in such troublesome affairs.”
When Otho committed suicide in order to prevent future loss of life at the First Battle of Bedriacum, Vitellius was named the new emperor. It wasn't long, however, before rumblings against Vitellius began to appear in the West. Vespasian was the preferred choice among many in the army. With this growing animosity for Vitellius spreading to Rome, Vespasian acted quickly and sent troops to Italy to engage the new emperor, while he crossed Egypt and captured Alexandria, cutting off the grain supply to Rome. After Vitellius's loss to the army of the West at the Second Battle of Bedriacum, the soon-to-be-deposed emperor fled back to Rome planning to escape certain death; compromise and peace were out of the question. He now feared for his wife and children. Cassius Dio wrote, “One moment he was inclined to cling to the sovereignty and was making every preparation for war; the next moment he was ready to abdicate voluntarily and was making every preparation for returning to private life.” Vespasian's army dragged Vitellius from his hiding place, tortured and killed him, and threw his body in the Tiber. Much of the city, however, had already been pillaged and fires set throughout. Traveling to Rome, Vespasian was finally enthroned December 26, 69 CE."
Vespasian
Posted from worldhistory.org
Ancient History
World History
Military History
Warfare
Combat
Posted >1 y ago
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He was the choice of the Roman troops who were disgusted by the prior emperors
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He had an interesting life. He was a horse trader as a young adult, but his family had enough wealth to bribe certain people to allow him into the service of the country. The very wealthy were on the A Team and their political careers were dictated by the wealth of the family. Vespasian was on the B Team. The B Team had to earn their passage into politics the hard way. They had to serve in the Roman Army and progressed only if they were good and competent military leaders. If they had those qualifications they were given access to politics.
Vespasian was a great military leader. He conducted a campaign in Europe and smashed any dissenting people. He was ruthless but rational as well. His reputation gave him the opportunity to govern Africa which was considered the greatest opportunity as a governor. Once again he smashed any dissenters. The Jews revolted and were subsequently holed up on a mountain strong hold. They were essentially defeated, but Vespasian wanted to finish the Jewish rebels for good.
His army built a huge ramp leading to the top of the mountain and used catapults to break down the walls. The Romans attacked but were repulsed. On the second attempt, he and his army breached the walls and slaughtered anyone that was alive. I believe most of the Jews had committed suicide before the attack because they were subject to being killed or sold into slavery.
Vespasian as the governor of Africa had the authority to raise taxes and enrich himself, but he was different. He was honest and his priority was to reinvest money into society. He never did get rich, but he had another thing going for him. His experienced and triumphant army trusted and loved him for his fighting acumen and leadership. They were loyal to him. He sent his army to Rome and seized power. He stayed in Africa for another year, then he took his rightful place as emperor.
I can't remember exactly the circumstances. I think the year he took control of Italy, he would be the fourth emperor. Vespasian was a breath of fresh air. He turned Rome around from the horrible conditions caused by the prior emperors. The years of his rule were golden years for Rome. He was honest and cared about the people, and started many building projects. His coup de grace was building the coliseum. He was a great Emperor for Rome as she flourished under his leadership.
Vespasian was a great military leader. He conducted a campaign in Europe and smashed any dissenting people. He was ruthless but rational as well. His reputation gave him the opportunity to govern Africa which was considered the greatest opportunity as a governor. Once again he smashed any dissenters. The Jews revolted and were subsequently holed up on a mountain strong hold. They were essentially defeated, but Vespasian wanted to finish the Jewish rebels for good.
His army built a huge ramp leading to the top of the mountain and used catapults to break down the walls. The Romans attacked but were repulsed. On the second attempt, he and his army breached the walls and slaughtered anyone that was alive. I believe most of the Jews had committed suicide before the attack because they were subject to being killed or sold into slavery.
Vespasian as the governor of Africa had the authority to raise taxes and enrich himself, but he was different. He was honest and his priority was to reinvest money into society. He never did get rich, but he had another thing going for him. His experienced and triumphant army trusted and loved him for his fighting acumen and leadership. They were loyal to him. He sent his army to Rome and seized power. He stayed in Africa for another year, then he took his rightful place as emperor.
I can't remember exactly the circumstances. I think the year he took control of Italy, he would be the fourth emperor. Vespasian was a breath of fresh air. He turned Rome around from the horrible conditions caused by the prior emperors. The years of his rule were golden years for Rome. He was honest and cared about the people, and started many building projects. His coup de grace was building the coliseum. He was a great Emperor for Rome as she flourished under his leadership.
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