Vespasian Restores Order and Builds the Colosseum
Vespasian came from an equestrian family in Reate, central Italy. He had served competently in Britannia and commanded the Roman forces suppressing the Jewish revolt in Judaea when Nero died. Acclaimed emperor by his legions in the East in July 69 CE, his forces defeated the last rival, Vitellius, in December. His first priority was restoring imperial finances devastated by Nero's extravagance and the civil war. He raised taxes including a urine tax on fullers, inspiring the saying Pecunia non olet ('Money does not smell'). His most lasting monument was begun in 72 CE: the Amphitheatrum Flavium, built on the drained lake of Nero's Domus Aurea. He reportedly said on his deathbed 'Dear me, I think I'm becoming a god' — mocking the tradition of imperial deification. He died peacefully in 79 CE.
- Year: 69 CE
- Category: Political
