Royalty · Politics · Military · AD 9–AD 79
Born: 17 November AD 9 · Died: 4 June AD 79 · Age at death: 69
Vespasian died aged 69. He was born on 17 November AD 9 and died on 4 June AD 79.
Roman general who won the civil war of 69 AD, founded the Flavian dynasty and began building the Colosseum
Did you know?He was responsible for starting the construction of the Colosseum, the largest amphitheatre ever built in the Roman Empire.
Vespasian brought order back to Rome after a year of civil war. He came from a modest family in the Sabine country and built his career in the army. He commanded a legion in the invasion of Britain and was leading the war in Judea in 69, the Year of the Four Emperors. His legions declared him emperor, and he won. He repaired Rome's finances and began the great amphitheatre we call the Colosseum. Known for his earthy humour, he founded the Flavian dynasty.
Vespasian (Latin: Vespasianus; 17 November 9 AD – 23 June 79) was Roman emperor from 69 to 79. The last emperor to reign in the Year of the Four Emperors, he founded the Flavian dynasty, which ruled the empire for 27 years.
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Profile
Roman emperor, 9–79
Vespasian was born near Reate on 17 November 9.
He commanded a legion in the invasion of Britain.
He became emperor in 69.
He began the Colosseum around 70.
Career highlights
Did you know?His dying joke was said to be "I think I am becoming a god".
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