vespasian (69-79) february 14 th, 2012 capitoline museums: palazzo nuovo, rome. credits: ann raia,

Vespasian (69-79)Vespasian (69-79)

February 14February 14thth, 2012, 2012

http://www.vroma.org/images/raia_images/vespasian.jpg

Capitoline Museums: Palazzo Nuovo, Rome. Credits: Ann Raia, 2005

Sources for Vespasian’s Sources for Vespasian’s ReignReign

Suetonius, Suetonius, Life of VespasianLife of Vespasian..

Tacitus, Tacitus, HistoriesHistories..

Cassius Dio, 64-66.Cassius Dio, 64-66.

Life and Career to 69 CELife and Career to 69 CE B. Nov. 9, 9 CE at Sabine Reate to Flavius Sabinus and Vespasia Polla.B. Nov. 9, 9 CE at Sabine Reate to Flavius Sabinus and Vespasia Polla. Not of distinguished lineage (i.e. Sabinus = tax collector & banker; Vespasia of Not of distinguished lineage (i.e. Sabinus = tax collector & banker; Vespasia of

equestrian rank).equestrian rank). Effectively raised and educated by his grandmother, Tertulla.Effectively raised and educated by his grandmother, Tertulla. 27 – Military tribune in Thrace.27 – Military tribune in Thrace. Mid 30s – Quaestor in Crete.Mid 30s – Quaestor in Crete. 38 - Aedile; 40 – Praetor; married Flavia Domitilla.38 - Aedile; 40 – Praetor; married Flavia Domitilla. 43 – Narcissus has Vespasian appointed to the command of 43 – Narcissus has Vespasian appointed to the command of Legio II AugustaLegio II Augusta.. 43-47 – Campaigning in Britain; triumphal decorations.43-47 – Campaigning in Britain; triumphal decorations. 51 – Consul.51 – Consul. 52-63 – Withdraws from public life (Influence of Agrippina?).52-63 – Withdraws from public life (Influence of Agrippina?). 63-64 – Proconsul of Africa.63-64 – Proconsul of Africa. 66 – On tour with Nero in Greece; granted command over the suppression of the 66 – On tour with Nero in Greece; granted command over the suppression of the

Judean Revolt.Judean Revolt. 68-69 – Recognized Galba, Otho, and Vitellius.68-69 – Recognized Galba, Otho, and Vitellius. Jul 1, 69 – Egyptian legions hail Vespasian emperor; echoed by Judean legions Jul Jul 1, 69 – Egyptian legions hail Vespasian emperor; echoed by Judean legions Jul

3; Syrian and Danube legions a few days later; Vespasian in Egypt (Raise funds; 3; Syrian and Danube legions a few days later; Vespasian in Egypt (Raise funds; cut off grain).cut off grain).

Danube legions (M. Antonius Primus) dashes for Italy; Defeat Vitellians (late Oct).Danube legions (M. Antonius Primus) dashes for Italy; Defeat Vitellians (late Oct). Dec 21 69 – Rome taken by Primus; Vespasian proclaimed emperor by the Dec 21 69 – Rome taken by Primus; Vespasian proclaimed emperor by the

Senate.Senate.

How would you characterize How would you characterize Vespasian’s domestic Vespasian’s domestic

policy?policy?

Vespasian as Emperor 69-79:Vespasian as Emperor 69-79:Domestic PolicyDomestic Policy

Arrogated unprecedented powers to the emperor (The Arrogated unprecedented powers to the emperor (The Lex Regia Lex Regia VespasianiVespasiani, 70 CE); used benevolently; engendered tension., 70 CE); used benevolently; engendered tension.

Replenished bankrupt treasury (Reduced senatorial immunities, Replenished bankrupt treasury (Reduced senatorial immunities, increased taxation, inflated certain commodity prices).increased taxation, inflated certain commodity prices).

Funds used to benefit the public (New building programs, Subventions Funds used to benefit the public (New building programs, Subventions for poorer senators, Salaries of teachers of Latin and Greek, Public for poorer senators, Salaries of teachers of Latin and Greek, Public largesse).largesse).

Appointed new senators and equestrians from qualified Italians and Appointed new senators and equestrians from qualified Italians and Provincials.Provincials.

Expanded court system.Expanded court system.

Improved military disciplineImproved military discipline

The The Lex Regia Vespasiani Lex Regia Vespasiani (70 (70 CE):CE):

cf. R. Sherk, Doc. 82cf. R. Sherk, Doc. 82 Power to make treaties.Power to make treaties.

Senatus consulta.Senatus consulta.

CommendatioCommendatio..

Extend the Extend the pomeriumpomerium..

Pass edicts equivalent to laws.Pass edicts equivalent to laws.

Freedom from the laws of his predecessors.Freedom from the laws of his predecessors.

Note: Debate (Applied to earlier emperors? General law for all Note: Debate (Applied to earlier emperors? General law for all future emperors? Applied only to Vespasian?).future emperors? Applied only to Vespasian?).

Replenishing the TreasuryReplenishing the Treasury ““The only thing for which he can fairly be censured was his love of money. For not content The only thing for which he can fairly be censured was his love of money. For not content

with reviving the imposts which had been repealed under Galba, he added new and heavy with reviving the imposts which had been repealed under Galba, he added new and heavy burdens, increasing the amount of tribute paid by the provinces, in some cases actually burdens, increasing the amount of tribute paid by the provinces, in some cases actually doubling it, and quite openly carrying on traffic which would be shameful even for a man doubling it, and quite openly carrying on traffic which would be shameful even for a man in private life; for he would buy up certain commodities merely in order to distribute them in private life; for he would buy up certain commodities merely in order to distribute them at a profit. 2 He made no bones of selling offices to candidates and acquittals to men at a profit. 2 He made no bones of selling offices to candidates and acquittals to men under prosecution, whether innocent or guilty. He is even believed to have had the habit under prosecution, whether innocent or guilty. He is even believed to have had the habit of designedly advancing the most rapacious of his procurators to higher posts, that they of designedly advancing the most rapacious of his procurators to higher posts, that they might be the richer when he later condemned them; in fact, it was common talk that he might be the richer when he later condemned them; in fact, it was common talk that he used these men as sponges, because he, so to p311speak, soaked them when they were used these men as sponges, because he, so to p311speak, soaked them when they were dry and squeezed them when they were wet. Some say that he was naturally covetous dry and squeezed them when they were wet. Some say that he was naturally covetous and was taunted with it by an old herdsman of his, who on being forced to pay for the and was taunted with it by an old herdsman of his, who on being forced to pay for the freedom for which he earnestly begged Vespasian when he became emperor, cried: "The freedom for which he earnestly begged Vespasian when he became emperor, cried: "The fox changes his fur, but not his nature." Others on the contrary believe that he was driven fox changes his fur, but not his nature." Others on the contrary believe that he was driven by necessity to raise money by spoliation and robbery because of the desperate state of by necessity to raise money by spoliation and robbery because of the desperate state of the treasury and the privy purse; to which he bore witness at the very beginning of his the treasury and the privy purse; to which he bore witness at the very beginning of his reign by declaring that forty thousand millions were needed to set the State upright. This reign by declaring that forty thousand millions were needed to set the State upright. This latter view seems the more probable, since he made the best use of his gains, ill-gotten latter view seems the more probable, since he made the best use of his gains, ill-gotten though they were.”though they were.”

(Suet. (Suet. VespVesp. 16. Trans. J.C. Rolfe, 1914). 16. Trans. J.C. Rolfe, 1914)http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html

Did Vespasian’s Did Vespasian’s acquisitiveness stem from acquisitiveness stem from

his own greed and luxurious his own greed and luxurious habits?habits?

Rebuilding RomeRebuilding Rome ““He also undertook new works, the temple of Peace hard by the Forum and He also undertook new works, the temple of Peace hard by the Forum and

one to the Deified Claudius on the Caelian mount, which was begun by one to the Deified Claudius on the Caelian mount, which was begun by Agrippina, but almost utterly destroyed by Nero; also an amphitheatre in Agrippina, but almost utterly destroyed by Nero; also an amphitheatre in the heart of the city, a plan which he learned that Augustus had the heart of the city, a plan which he learned that Augustus had cherished.”cherished.”


““Although he invariably expended in most munificent fashion all that was Although he invariably expended in most munificent fashion all that was requisite for the public welfare and carried out the festivals of a most requisite for the public welfare and carried out the festivals of a most sumptuous scale, his own style of living was very far from costly and he sumptuous scale, his own style of living was very far from costly and he spent no more than was absolutely necessary. Therefore even in the spent no more than was absolutely necessary. Therefore even in the taverns he allowed nothing cooked to be sold except pulse. Thus he made taverns he allowed nothing cooked to be sold except pulse. Thus he made it most evident that he was amassing money, not for his own enjoyment, it most evident that he was amassing money, not for his own enjoyment, but for the needs of the people.” (Cassius Dio, 65.11)but for the needs of the people.” (Cassius Dio, 65.11)

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.htmlhttp://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html

Flavian AmphitheaterFlavian Amphitheater

http://www.vroma.org/images/scaife_images/022b.jpg

Temple of the Divine Temple of the Divine ClaudiusClaudius

http://www.vroma.org/images/mcmanus_images/tempclaudius_back.jpg

What sort of relationship did What sort of relationship did Vespasian have with the Vespasian have with the senate and the people?senate and the people?

A Princeps for All the OrdersA Princeps for All the Orders

Was beneficent to the common people Was beneficent to the common people (i.e. Spending on public buildings (i.e. Spending on public buildings provide work for people).provide work for people).

Desired harmony between the Desired harmony between the equestrian and senatorial orders.equestrian and senatorial orders.

Placated the Italian nobles with honours Placated the Italian nobles with honours and offices.and offices.

Pacifying all the OrdersPacifying all the Orders ““He was most generous to all classes, making up the requisite He was most generous to all classes, making up the requisite

estate for senators, giving needy ex-consuls an annual stipend of estate for senators, giving needy ex-consuls an annual stipend of five hundred thousand sesterces, restoring to a better condition five hundred thousand sesterces, restoring to a better condition many cities throughout the empire which had suffered from many cities throughout the empire which had suffered from earthquakes or fires, and in particular encouraging men of talent earthquakes or fires, and in particular encouraging men of talent and the arts. 18 He was the first to establish a regular salary of a and the arts. 18 He was the first to establish a regular salary of a hundred thousand sesterces for Latin and Greek teachers of hundred thousand sesterces for Latin and Greek teachers of rhetoric, paid from the privy purse. He also presented eminent rhetoric, paid from the privy purse. He also presented eminent poets with princely largess and great rewards, and artists, too, such poets with princely largess and great rewards, and artists, too, such as the restorer of the Venus of Cos and of the Colossus. To a as the restorer of the Venus of Cos and of the Colossus. To a mechanical engineer, who promised to transport some heavy mechanical engineer, who promised to transport some heavy columns to the Capitol at small expense, he gave no mean reward columns to the Capitol at small expense, he gave no mean reward for his invention, but refused to make use of it, saying: "You must for his invention, but refused to make use of it, saying: "You must let me feed my poor commons.“”let me feed my poor commons.“”

(Suet. (Suet. VespVesp. 17-18. Trans. J.C. Rolfe, 1914). 17-18. Trans. J.C. Rolfe, 1914)http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html

Reforming the Senate and Reforming the Senate and Expanding the CourtsExpanding the Courts

““He reformed the two great orders, reduced by a series of murders and He reformed the two great orders, reduced by a series of murders and sullied by long standing neglect, and added to their numbers, holding a sullied by long standing neglect, and added to their numbers, holding a review of the senate and the knights, expelling those who least deserved the review of the senate and the knights, expelling those who least deserved the honour and enrolling the most distinguished of the Italians and provincials. honour and enrolling the most distinguished of the Italians and provincials. Furthermore, to let it be known that the two orders differed from each other Furthermore, to let it be known that the two orders differed from each other not so much in their privileges as in their rank, in the case of an altercation not so much in their privileges as in their rank, in the case of an altercation between a senator and a Roman knight, he rendered his decision: "Unseemly between a senator and a Roman knight, he rendered his decision: "Unseemly language should not be used towards senators, but to return their insults in language should not be used towards senators, but to return their insults in kind is proper and lawful." 10 Lawsuit upon lawsuit had accumulated in all kind is proper and lawful." 10 Lawsuit upon lawsuit had accumulated in all the courts to an excessive degree, since those of long standing were left the courts to an excessive degree, since those of long standing were left unsettled through the interruption of court business and new ones had arisen unsettled through the interruption of court business and new ones had arisen through the disorder of the times. He therefore chose commissioners by lot through the disorder of the times. He therefore chose commissioners by lot to restore what had been seized in time of war, and to make special to restore what had been seized in time of war, and to make special decisions in the court of the Hundred, reducing the cases to the smallest decisions in the court of the Hundred, reducing the cases to the smallest number, since it was clear that the lifetime of the litigants would not suffice number, since it was clear that the lifetime of the litigants would not suffice for the regular proceedings.”for the regular proceedings.”

(Suet. (Suet. VespVesp. 9-10. Trans. J.C. Rolfe, 1914). 9-10. Trans. J.C. Rolfe, 1914)http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Suetonius/12Caesars/Vespasian*.html

Ending the Ending the MaiestasMaiestas Trials Trials

““He sent a despatch to Rome rescinding He sent a despatch to Rome rescinding the disfranchisement of those who had the disfranchisement of those who had been condemned by Nero and been condemned by Nero and succeeding rulers for acts of maiestas, succeeding rulers for acts of maiestas, as they were called. This order applied as they were called. This order applied to the living and to the dead alike; and to the living and to the dead alike; and he put an end to the indictments based he put an end to the indictments based on such complaints.” (Dio Cassius, 65.9)on such complaints.” (Dio Cassius, 65.9)

http://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.htmlhttp://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Cassius_Dio/65*.html

A Humble Princeps?A Humble Princeps? ““In other matters he was unassuming and lenient from the very In other matters he was unassuming and lenient from the very

beginning of his reign until its end, never trying to conceal his former beginning of his reign until its end, never trying to conceal his former lowly condition, but often even parading it. Indeed, when certain lowly condition, but often even parading it. Indeed, when certain men tried to trace the origin of the Flavian family to the founders of men tried to trace the origin of the Flavian family to the founders of Reate and a companion of Hercules whose tomb still stands on the Reate and a companion of Hercules whose tomb still stands on the Via Salaria, he laughed at them for their pains. So far was he from a Via Salaria, he laughed at them for their pains. So far was he from a desire for pomp and show, that on the day of his triumph, he did not desire for pomp and show, that on the day of his triumph, he did not hesitate to say: "It serves me right for being such a fool as to want a hesitate to say: "It serves me right for being such a fool as to want a triumph in my old age, as if it were due to my ancestors or had ever triumph in my old age, as if it were due to my ancestors or had ever been among my own ambitions." He did not even assume the been among my own ambitions." He did not even assume the tribunician power at once nor the title of Father of his Country until tribunician power at once nor the title of Father of his Country until late. As for the custom of searching those who came to pay their late. As for the custom of searching those who came to pay their morning calls, he gave that up before the civil war was over.” morning calls, he gave that up before the civil war was over.”


Rumblings of Discontent?Rumblings of Discontent? ““It cannot readily be shown that any innocent person was punished It cannot readily be shown that any innocent person was punished

save in Vespasian's absence and without his knowledge, or at any save in Vespasian's absence and without his knowledge, or at any rate against his will and by misleading him. Although Helvidius rate against his will and by misleading him. Although Helvidius Priscus was the only one who greeted him on his return from Syria Priscus was the only one who greeted him on his return from Syria by his private name of "Vespasian," and moreover in his praetorship by his private name of "Vespasian," and moreover in his praetorship left the emperor unhonoured and unmentioned in all his edicts. He left the emperor unhonoured and unmentioned in all his edicts. He did not show anger until by the extravagance of his railing Helvidius did not show anger until by the extravagance of his railing Helvidius had all but degraded him. But even in his case, though he did banish had all but degraded him. But even in his case, though he did banish him and later order his death, he was most anxious for any means of him and later order his death, he was most anxious for any means of saving him, and sent messengers to recall those who were to slay saving him, and sent messengers to recall those who were to slay him; and he would have saved him, but for a false report that him; and he would have saved him, but for a false report that Helvidius had already been done to death. Certainly he never took Helvidius had already been done to death. Certainly he never took pleasure in the death of anyone, but even wept and sighed over pleasure in the death of anyone, but even wept and sighed over those who suffered merited punishment.” those who suffered merited punishment.”


How would you characterize How would you characterize Vespasian’s foreign policy?Vespasian’s foreign policy?

Vespasian as Emperor:Vespasian as Emperor:Foreign PolicyForeign Policy

Consolidation rather than expansion.Consolidation rather than expansion.

Crushed revolt in Judaea commenced in 66 CE (through Titus).Crushed revolt in Judaea commenced in 66 CE (through Titus).

Britain: Pacified Wales, Advanced into northern England and southern Britain: Pacified Wales, Advanced into northern England and southern Scotland (73-81) (Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde).Scotland (73-81) (Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clyde).

Germany: Quelled revolts (i.e. Revolt of Civilis, 69-70), Est. frontier Germany: Quelled revolts (i.e. Revolt of Civilis, 69-70), Est. frontier forts along and between the Rhine and Danube (forts along and between the Rhine and Danube (Agri DecumatesAgri Decumates).).

Reduced many Reduced many client-kingdomsclient-kingdoms to to imperial provincesimperial provinces..

Extended Extended Latin CitizenshipLatin Citizenship to districts in Spain to districts in Spain

Squeezed the provinces for taxes. Squeezed the provinces for taxes.

Agri DecumatesAgri Decumates

Firth of Forth and the Firth Firth of Forth and the Firth of Clydeof Clyde

Tightening Up Provincial Tightening Up Provincial ControlControl

““He made provinces of Achaia, Lycia, Rhodes, He made provinces of Achaia, Lycia, Rhodes, Byzantium and Samos, taking away their Byzantium and Samos, taking away their freedom, and likewise of Trachian Cilicia and freedom, and likewise of Trachian Cilicia and Commagene, which up to that time had been Commagene, which up to that time had been ruled by kings. He sent additional legions to ruled by kings. He sent additional legions to Cappadocia because of the constant inroads Cappadocia because of the constant inroads of the barbarians, and gave it a consular of the barbarians, and gave it a consular governor in place of a Roman knight.” governor in place of a Roman knight.”


How does Suetonius How does Suetonius describe the personal describe the personal

Character of Vespasian?Character of Vespasian?

The Personal Character of The Personal Character of VespasianVespasian

Said to be greedy and avaricious.Said to be greedy and avaricious.

Strict disciplinarian as a soldier and general.Strict disciplinarian as a soldier and general.

Messianic image.Messianic image.

Modest and affable.Modest and affable.

Sexually prolific.Sexually prolific.

A Strict DisciplinarianA Strict Disciplinarian ““The soldiery, some emboldened by their victory and some resenting their The soldiery, some emboldened by their victory and some resenting their

humiliating defeat, had p301abandoned themselves to every form of licence humiliating defeat, had p301abandoned themselves to every form of licence and recklessness; the provinces, too, and the free cities, as well as some of and recklessness; the provinces, too, and the free cities, as well as some of the kingdoms, were in a state of internal dissension. Therefore he discharged the kingdoms, were in a state of internal dissension. Therefore he discharged many of the soldiers of Vitellius and punished many; but so far from showing many of the soldiers of Vitellius and punished many; but so far from showing any special indulgence to those who had shared in his victory, he was even any special indulgence to those who had shared in his victory, he was even tardy in paying them their lawful rewards. 3 To let slip no opportunity of tardy in paying them their lawful rewards. 3 To let slip no opportunity of improving military discipline, when a young man reeking with perfumes improving military discipline, when a young man reeking with perfumes came to thank him for a commission which had been given him, Vespasian came to thank him for a commission which had been given him, Vespasian drew back his head in disgust, adding the stern reprimand: "I would rather drew back his head in disgust, adding the stern reprimand: "I would rather you had smelt of garlic"; and he revoked the appointment. When the you had smelt of garlic"; and he revoked the appointment. When the marines who march on foot by turns from Ostia and Puteoli to Rome, asked marines who march on foot by turns from Ostia and Puteoli to Rome, asked that an alliance be made them under the head of shoe money, not content that an alliance be made them under the head of shoe money, not content with sending them away without a reply, he ordered that in future they with sending them away without a reply, he ordered that in future they should make the run barefooted; and they have done so ever since.” should make the run barefooted; and they have done so ever since.”


A Likable FellowA Likable Fellow ““Not only at dinner but on all other occasions he was most affable, Not only at dinner but on all other occasions he was most affable,

and he turned off many matters with a jest; for he was very ready and he turned off many matters with a jest; for he was very ready with sharp sayings, albeit of a low and buffoonish kind, so that he with sharp sayings, albeit of a low and buffoonish kind, so that he did not even refrain from obscene expressions. Yet many of his did not even refrain from obscene expressions. Yet many of his remarks are still remembered which are full of fine wit, and among remarks are still remembered which are full of fine wit, and among them the following. When an ex-consul called Mestrius Florus them the following. When an ex-consul called Mestrius Florus called his attention to the fact that the proper pronunciation was called his attention to the fact that the proper pronunciation was plaustra rather than plostra, he greeted him next day as "Flaurus." plaustra rather than plostra, he greeted him next day as "Flaurus." When he was importuned by a woman, who said that she was When he was importuned by a woman, who said that she was dying for love for him, he took her to his bed and gave her four dying for love for him, he took her to his bed and gave her four p317hundred thousand sesterces for her favours. Being asked by p317hundred thousand sesterces for her favours. Being asked by his steward how he would have the sum entered in his accounts, his steward how he would have the sum entered in his accounts, he replied: "To a passion for Vespasian.“” he replied: "To a passion for Vespasian.“”


Vespasian’s DeathVespasian’s Death

““He did not cease his jokes even when in He did not cease his jokes even when in apprehension of death and in extreme danger; for apprehension of death and in extreme danger; for when among other portents the Mausoleum when among other portents the Mausoleum opened on a sudden and a comet appeared in the opened on a sudden and a comet appeared in the heavens, he declared that the former applied to heavens, he declared that the former applied to Junia Calvina of the family of Augustus, and the Junia Calvina of the family of Augustus, and the latter to the king of the Parthians, who wore his latter to the king of the Parthians, who wore his hair long; and as death drew near, he said: hair long; and as death drew near, he said: "Woe's me. Methinks I'm turning into a god.“” "Woe's me. Methinks I'm turning into a god.“”


Discussion QuestionDiscussion Question In what ways was Vespasian different from his In what ways was Vespasian different from his

predecessors?predecessors?

Is there a discrepancy between Suetonius’ claim that Is there a discrepancy between Suetonius’ claim that Vespasian never put an innocent man to death and his Vespasian never put an innocent man to death and his comments on Vespasian’s fiscal policy? Explain.comments on Vespasian’s fiscal policy? Explain.

Can you detect competing accounts of Vespasian’s Can you detect competing accounts of Vespasian’s reign and character in Suetonius’ narrative? Explain.reign and character in Suetonius’ narrative? Explain.

How would you account for Vespasian’s success as How would you account for Vespasian’s success as emperor?emperor?

vespasian (69-79) february 14 th, 2012 capitoline museums: palazzo nuovo, rome. credits: ann raia,

Documents

life of vespasian

days later vespasian

danube legions

judean legions

new senators

private life

public new building

public largesse