The Throne of the Caesars: Vespasian

Vespasian

Emperor A. D. 69 - 79

Vespasian was a likable old rogue, and one of the most human of all the Roman emperors. He appreciated a good joke, even when he was the butt of it. Suetonius tells us that he never had an innocent man punished, and even wept for condemned criminals when it was necessary that they be executed. He was an old soldier, and would often show kindness to other old soldiers. His father was a tax collector, and Vespasian himself had to become a mule driver after he was banished from Nero's court after having fallen asleep during one of Nero's performances. Later, Nero made him a general and put him in command of an army sent to put down a revolt in Judea. When Vespasian became emperor his son Titus replaced him as general in Judea and finally put down the revolt in A.D. 70 with the tragic destruction of the temple in Jerusalem.

--Jay King