Vespasian and his Effectiveness as Princeps

“Vespasian came of peasant stock; he succeeded to a position which had been occupied by men of the noblest birth.” It has been said that Vespasian has taken the Roman Empire from chaos to stability. The Julii-Caludii Dynasty ended with the death of Nero in AD68, which led to a year of dynastic struggle for the Roman Empire. Rome was subjected to civil wars and the quick succession of four Emperors from different provinces over the course of eighteen months. This period starting with the suicide of Nero (June AD68) and ending with the victory of Vespasian (December AD69) was named the "Year of the Four Emperors” and it was a major dynastic struggle for the Roman Empire. Vespasian was able to restore the Empire and build up the stability through the reorganisation of the senate and the provinces, building the respect and support of the armies, and restoring the roman treasury by increasing taxes and decreasing expenses. Vespasian restored Rome to its former glory by repairing the areas that had been destroyed by fire, wars or earthquakes, he built roads, bridges, buildings and fortifications, he also increased the position of the Roman economy.