182 Vespasian Caesar

Museum Description: Vespasian Marble Head

Room: 70/Case: None/Number: 1850.3-4.35

Scripture: Luke 21:24

Vespasian was initially famous for his military success.  He was not only the commander of a Roman legion during the invasion of Britain in 43 C.E., but he also put down the first Jewish rebellion in 66 C.E. during which his son Titus was his second-in-command.  As prophesied by Jesus, there was a lull in the fighting in Judea due to political turmoil in Rome, which allowed the Christian to escape from Jerusalem.  During this time, Vespasian return to Rome, and was officially appointed Caesar in 69 C.E.  This followed the suicide of Nero, and the failure of no less than three other people who tried to succeed him.  Vespasian was therefore ruling when the Jesus' prophecy about the destruction of Jerusalem was ultimately fulfilled, when Titus resumed the siege 70 C.E.  Funded by treasure looted from the temple in Jerusalem, Vespasian built the famous Colosseum in Rome.