ABSTRACT

From a pre-eminent biographer in the field, this volume examines the life and times of the emperor Vespasian and challenges the validity of his perennial good reputation and universally acknowledged achievements. Levick examines how this plebeian and uncharismatic Emperor restored peace and confidence to Rome and ensured a smooth succession, how he coped with the military, political and economic problems of his reign, and his evaluation of the solutions to these problems, before she finally examines his posthumous reputation.

Now updated to take account of the past 15 years of scholarship, and with a new chapter on literature under the Flavians, Vespasian is a fascinating study for students of Roman history and the general classical enthusiast alike.

chapter |3 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|12 pages

A new man in politics

chapter 4|26 pages

The bid for Empire

chapter 5|14 pages

Ideology in action

chapter 6|16 pages

A new Emperor and his opponents

chapter 7|30 pages

Financial survival

chapter 8|16 pages

Stabilization: the winning of peace

chapter 11|14 pages

Elites

chapter 12|12 pages

Vespasian and his sons

chapter 13|14 pages

Literature and politics in the Flavian Era

chapter 14|14 pages

Conclusion: ideology in the aftermath