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XIII. Vespasian
- West Virginia University Press
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156 XIII Vespasian Vespasian (r. 69-79) was introduced in the Book of Emperors Tiberius story as leading—together with his son, Titus—the Roman forces that put down the Jewish rebellion in Judea. This account is more or less historically accurate except for timing. The Jewish War and destruction of Jerusalem occurred AD 66–70. Our author moves the events back to the early 30s, portraying them as punishment of the Jews for the Crucifixion. The historical Vespasian had a distinguished military career in Germany and Britain, making him a logical choice for Nero to appoint in 66 for directing the war effort in Palestine. After Nero’s overthrow and suicide, Vespasian was proclaimed emperor, first in Egypt, then in other parts of the Empire. He returned to Rome, leaving affairs in Judea to Titus, defeated his rivals and presided over the Empire at peace during his last ten years. This chapter also highlights an important virtue for rulers—the willingness to take good advice, even when it means suddenly reversing a course of action. the Book tells us that Vespasian held the Empire. As soon as the Romans raised him to be their ruler, they sent messengers quickly to the Jerusalemite lands. But when Vespasian understood from them that Vitellius had been buried alive, no one could induce him with any sort of offers to accept rulership of the Empire. He said that he would not accept it and that he felt it was better for him to oversee the cultivation of the land he had conquered—won with his warshield. He had no intention of leaving that land behind, and that was his reply to the messengers. When the Romans received his message, they hurried to assemble. They agreed that Vespasian should be forever condemned, deprived of all Vespasian 157 rights due a Roman. They persuaded Arimespus, who was his sister’s son, to break into Vespasian’s palace and take for himself everything there was to inherit. City and countryside swore loyalty to this nephew of his, and thus they rejected the noble Vespasian. Vespasian learned that he had been condemned at Rome. He then consulted with the one dearest to him. He complained about what had been done to him—he had never suffered such injury. Noble Titus answered him, “Father, I was there taking part in the discussion when the Senate with all the people of Rome chose you to be their leader, so that you would take charge of their army and take vengeance upon their enemies. Then they wanted to honor you. Now I cannot see the reason you want to struggle against the Romans. How should we oppose them and come to any good end? They will come after us with their army. There is no way we can defend ourselves against them. Father, I advise you to change your mind. I value the honor you have earned. I am faithful and committed to you whether things go well or badly. I am willing to die for you or to take whatever comes out of this, but, if you do not renew your loyalty to them, their anger will surely roll over us.” Vespasian commanded that haste be made in writing a letter to the Romans, telling them how he wanted to carry out their will and was prepared to do so forever. He had not intended to do anything against them. He mentioned that he was lacking in troop numbers, complaining to them that many of his men had been killed in Babylonia and that he could not return to Rome before taking vengeance and redeeming their honor. He would rather lose his own life before seeing the Romans lose their honor. The Romans now said how willing they were to support him. Before, when the noble Vespasian had won the fortified city of Jerusalem , he had the Jews sold, and nothing left there that was good for or worth anything. The song tells us, and it is surely true, that he directed his army against Babylonia, which was ruled by the most powerful king that ever lived in this world under this heaven. King Milian commanded his army to come out and meet the Romans . He rode against him with a huge crowd of soldiers. He had many a [23.20.220.59] Project MUSE (2024-03-19 02:38 GMT) 158 Chapter Thirteen brave hero, many green flags and many white and red ones. They were to come...