Vespasian

Vespasian, full name Titus Flavius Sabinus Vespasianus (ad 9-79), Roman emperor (69-79), born in Sabine Reate, near Rome. During the middle of the 1st century ad he commanded a legion in Germany and in Britain conquered the Isle of Wight. In 66 he campaigned against the Jews in Judaea. Upon being chosen emperor in 69, he left the war in Judaea to his son Titus and returned to Rome, where he restored the government and the public finances. After the capture and destruction of Jerusalem by Titus in 70, the world was at peace for nine years. Other important events of Vespasian's reign include the suppression of a formidable revolt (69-70) by the Germanic Batavians under their leader Julius Civilis; conquests in Britain by the Roman general Gnaeus Julius Agricola; the development of a more extensive educational system; and the construction of the Colosseum in Rome. His son Titus succeeded him as emperor.