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Glite Dictionary
Vespasian

Vespasian

3 9.9
A Roman emperor who brings order after a civil war and begins building the Colosseum
  • proper noun
: Vespasiano
  • Josephus was a historian who was paid by the Roman general Vespasian to write about the events of that time by appointing him the court historian.
  • Vespasian the emperor

And then finally the Vespasian takes over.

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Examples

  • The front side of this coin displays the emperor Vespasian, who died in A.D. 79.

    Academic text (1995)

  • His father, Vespasian, was loved by his people, and they continue that love for his son.

    Pompeii (2014)

  • Otho, who came second, ended up taking his own life; and Vespasian, who founded his own dynasty, came last.

    Academic text (2014)

  • As Vespasian approached with his army, this emperor was hauled from his hiding place in the palace.

    Academic text (2014)

  • As he lay dying, Vespasian, aware that his son Titus would deify him after his death, joked.

  • Father also told me Suetonius's story of the Roman emperor Vespasian, who, as he lay dying, referring to the custom of deifying past emperors, remarked to his courtiers, "Gentlemen, I fancy I am becoming a god."

    Academic text (1997)

  • The emperor Vespasian initiated the construction of the Colosseum in Rome.

  • Under Vespasian, the Roman Empire experienced significant reforms in the military.

  • History notes that Vespasian was a key figure in restoring stability to Rome after years of turmoil.

Surface Forms

Vespasian main

Etymology

Vespasian comes from the Roman family name Vespasius, from Latin vespa meaning 'wasp'. Thinking of a wasp as small but strong can help you remember Vespasian was a tough Roman emperor who brought order and began the Colosseum.