Vespasian (9-79)

Roman emperor from AD 69. Proclaimed emperor by his soldiers while he was campaigning in Palestine, he reorganized the eastern provinces, and was a capable administrator. He was responsible for the construction of the Colosseum in Rome, which was completed by his son Titus.

As the legate of the 2nd Legion (Legio II Augusta), he took part in the invasion of Britain in AD 43 by Claudius, playing a distinguished role in the Roman victory at the Medway. He then led his legion in an independent command to conquer much of southwestern England. In AD 66-67 the emperor Nero sent him to suppress the Jewish rebellion. He reconquered Galilee through a series of hard-fought sieges, capturing the cities of Jotopata, Gamala, and Gischala and accepting the defection of Sepphoris. During campaigns in 68-69, he suppressed Samaria and much of Judaea before the war to determine Nero's successor demanded his attention. He left his son Titus to complete the Jewish War, then consolidated his position in Egypt and sent an army to Italy. The civil war was decided in Vespasian's favour by the actions of his subordinate commanders, without his having to participate in a single battle.