VESPASIA'NUS, Titus FLAVIUS, Roman emperor, was a native of Reath, in the Sabine country, of humble origin. After serving with distinction in various military grades in Thrace, Britain, and Africa, he was sent by Nero to conduct the Jewish war. 'This appointment he owed to his recognized merits, for he was not a favorite with the emperor, whom he- had offended by falling asleep during the recitation of one of his poetical compositions. He conducted the war m ith vigor, reduced Judita, and filially laid siege to Jerusalem. At this time occurred the struggle for the imperial dignity between Otho and Vitellius, after the murder of Galba. The legions serving in the east were 'indignant that the empire should be disposed of at the will of the praetorian guards. Their 'own gen. was proclaimed emperor, and quickly acknowledged as such by all the east, and, after the death of Vitellius, by Italy and all the provinces. Leaving Its son Titus to prosecute the siege of Jerusalem, lie repaired to Rome, where he was joyfully received, and immediately set about the work of restoring order. He kept his
soldiers under firm discipline, improved the finances, co-operated cordially with the senate in the administration, and did much by his example to lessen the ill effects of the prodigality and luxury of his predecessors. An interesting biography of him has been written by Suetonius, and from the personal anecdotes there recorded, we are enabled to estimate clearly the character of the man. He was simple and unostentatious in his mode of life, too shrewd to listen to flattery, liked a joke, was good humored, and easy of access. He is charged with being avaricious, and at times he certainly sought to obtain money by rather undignified ways; but though niggardly in personal expenditure, he was lavish in embellishing the city with public works, and a munificent patron of the arts and sciences. He is chargeable also with one or two acts of cruelty, but usually he bore provocation with great good temper. He died 79 A.D. , in the 69th year of his age, after a reign of 10 years.