Vespasian

Vespasian was one of the greatest Roman emperors who ruled from 69 to 79 AD. He established the 27-year Roman Empire dominance of the Flavian dynasty.

His reign began while Rome was only beginning to recover from the misdeeds of notorious emperors like Nero and Caligula, as well as a civil war that saw four emperors in a single year. It was one of the most turbulent periods in Roman history. Rome did not experience stability and prosperity again until Titus Flavius Vespasianus assumed the throne and put the country back on course.

Vespasian, a capable general with a reputation for being a down-to-earth man, was given the job of restoring equilibrium to Rome. And he succeeded in doing exactly that during his ten-year reign, making him renowned as one of the greatest Roman emperors.

Much money was spent on public projects as well as the renovation and embellishment of Rome under Vespasian's rule. He started work on the Temple of Peace, various public baths, and the Colosseum, one of the most impressive buildings in all of ancient Rome. Sadly, Vespasian had passed away by the time the Colosseum was finished. He was replaced by his eldest son Titus after his death in 79 AD, making him the first Roman emperor to be immediately succeeded by his biological son and founding the Flavian dynasty.

Lifespan: November 9 AD - 23 June, 79 AD