Vespasian (Titus Flavius Vespasianus), A.D. 9-A.D. 79, Roman emperor (A.D. 69-A.D. 79), founder of the Flavian dynasty. The son of a poor family, he made his way in the army by sheer ability. He served in Germany and in Britain (where he conquered the Isle of Wight) and was made consul (A.D. 51). Later he was proconsul in Africa under Nero. In A.D. 66, Nero put him in charge of the war against the Jews, and he was in Judaea when the emperor died. He recognized Otho and then Vitellius, but when he himself was proclaimed emperor by the soldiers in Judaea and Alexandria, he set out to make good his claim. He arrived in Italy late in A.D. 69. He set about restoring the state and its finances and gave an example of frugal living that contrasted greatly with the life of Nero. His son Titus, whom he had left to prosecute the Jewish war, destroyed Jerusalem and returned to Rome to enjoy the triumph with his father. To commemorate the beginning of an era of peace (which lasted a century), Vespasian closed the gates of the temple of Janus and built the temple of Pax. He also erected the Colosseum. The principal external events of Vespasian's reign were the revolt of the Batavii (see Civilis) and the campaigns and administration of Agricola in Britain. He was succeeded by his son Titus; his other son, Domitian, later succeeded Titus. The reign of Vespasian was noted for its order and prosperity.

Johnson, Herschel Vespasian, 1812-80, U.S. political leader, b. Burke co., Ga. Admitted to the bar in 1834, he filled (1848-49) an unexpired Senate term before serving as circuit court judge (1849-53) and Democratic governor of Georgia (1853-57). A proponent of both states' rights and unionism, Johnson in 1860 ran unsuccessfully for the vice presidency with Stephen A. Douglas against Abraham Lincoln. Although he opposed secession, Johnson later served (1862-65) in the Confederate senate, where he refused to support conscription and the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus. Johnson was president of the 1865 Georgia constitutional convention and was elected (1866) to the U.S. Senate, but he was not allowed to take his seat. He was again a circuit court judge from 1873 until his death.

in full Caesar Vespasianus Augustus orig. Titus Flavius Vespasianus

(born Nov. 17?, AD 9, Reate, Latium—died June 24, 79) Roman emperor (69–79), founder of the Flavian dynasty. Although of humble birth, he won military glory in Britain and was awarded a triumph by Claudius. In 63 he became proconsul of Africa. He reconquered Judaea except for Jerusalem (67–68) but stopped fighting on the death of Nero (68). After the murder of Galba, Vespasian was proclaimed emperor by the legions, while Vitellius claimed the h1 in Cologne; Vespasian's forces soon defeated Vitellius in Italy. Although he claimed absolute power and took every possible office for himself and his sons, he was a popular emperor and lived simply. He increased provincial taxation to pay for the deficits incurred by Nero and the civil wars, built the Temple of Peace and began the Colosseum, and reformed the army and Praetorian Guard. He ended the Jewish war (70) and the Rhineland revolt, adding lands in Germany and Britain and pacifying Wales. He was succeeded by his son Titus.

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