From Forced Retirement to the Imperial Throne
Vespasian reemerged from retirement after Emperor Claudius’ passing, and won favor with his successor, Nero. His restored career was derailed, however, when he fell asleep while Nero was giving a lyre recital. Things got so bad for Vespasian that he was forced to become a muleteer to make ends meet. His fortunes revived when he was yanked out of retirement to suppress the Jewish Rebellion in 67 AD. He was busily engaged in that when Nero was forced from power and driven to suicide in 68. In the subsequent scramble for power, rival governors and generals mounted the throne in quick succession.
By April of 69, the year was already known as “The Year of the Three Emperors”. Vespasian, by then sixty years old – long in the tooth by the era’s standards – reasoned why not four? He secured support in the Roman east, then declared himself emperor and sent his forces to Rome. By year’s end, his armies had triumphed, and won a final victory that secured the Empire for Vespasian. His rule was successful, as he restored stability and good governance, and launched a massive building and public works program.