Vespasian Becomes Emperor: Year of Four Emperors Ends
Four emperors in twelve months. Rome's throne changed hands faster than anyone could mint new coins — Galba murdered by his own guards, Otho dead by suicide after 90 days, Vitellius dragged from the palace and butchered in the street. Then Vespasian arrived. A practical general who'd never wanted the job, he inherited an empire bankrupted by civil war and a capital that had seen three emperors killed in the Forum. He died of natural causes ten years later, having rebuilt the treasury and started construction on the Colosseum. His last words: "I think I'm becoming a god." Rome's reward for competence over charisma.
December 21, 69
1957 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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