[Born at Terracina, in Italy, B.C. 3. Died at Rome, A.D. 69. Aged 73.]
The successor of Nero; and governor of Spain when he was raised to the
supreme dignity. A strict military disciplinarian, and remarkable for
care and prudence. But when Emperor, his prudence became avarice, and he
practised sordid measures, under the plea of imitating the frugality of
the ancients. His niggardliness gave offence to the military and to the
citizens, who had been used to festivals under Nero; and in his old age,
Galba was cut down in the streets of Rome. He reigned 7 months.
[From the marble in the Capitoline Museum at Rome.]
39*. VESPASIAN--TITUS FLAVIUS SABINUS VESPASIANUS. _Roman Emperor_, A.D.
69-70.
[Born at Nursia, in the country of the Sabines, A.D. 9. Died at
Cutiliæ, in the country of the Sabines, A.D. 79. Aged 69.]
Of low origin. Went to Britain and subdued the Isle of Wight. Afterwards
sent to the East by Nero against the Jews, and was proclaimed Emperor by
his troops at Alexandria. On the death of Vitellius proceeded to Rome,
where, as Emperor, he restored order, reformed abuses, and improved the
condition of the empire. He commenced the Coliseum. A great Emperor,
popular with his army, upright, conscientious, simple in his living, and
affable in his manners.
[For account of the colossal Bust of Vespasian, see Handbook to Roman
Court and Nave, No. 338.]