Vespasian (Titus Flavius Caesar Vespasianus Augustus, 17 November 9 – 23 June 79) was the founder of the Flavian Dynasty and ruled as Emperor from AD 69 to AD 79. Vespasian was descended from a family of equestrians, who rose into the senatorial rank under the Emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Although he attained the standard succession of public offices, holding the consulship in AD 51, Vespasian became more reputed as a successful military commander, participating in the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43, and for role in subjugating Judaea during the Jewish rebelion of AD 66.

 

Vespasian was military General under Nero over Judaea. While he was preparing to besiege Jerusalem emperor Nero committed suicide, necesitating Vespasian's return to Rome to deal with the "year of civil war".  After quickly defeating Galba and Otho, Vitellius became emperor in April AD 69.  In response,the Roman Legions in Egypt and Judaea declared Vespasian emperor on 1 July.  In his bid for imperial power, Vespasian joined forces with Mucianus, the governor of Syria, and Primus, a general in Pannonia. Primus and Mucianus led the Flavian forces against Vitellius, while Vespasian gained control of Egypt. On 20 December, Vitellius was defeated, and the following day Vespasian was declared Emperor by the Roman Senate.

 

Later, his son Titus acting for his father suppressed the Jewish Revolt (known to the Jews of the day as the First Roman War) in 70 AD - razing the city of Jerusalem, defeating Judaea.

 

Vespasian was not highly religious and thought the deification of the emperor upon his death was inane. In AD 79, upon his death bed, he is said to have jokingly said, "Oh my, I think I am becoming a god."