Vespasian
Pronunciation: /vɛˈspeɪʒ(ə)n/
Definition of Vespasian
- ( ad 9-79), Roman emperor 69-79 and founder of the Flavian dynasty; Latin name Titus Flavius Vespasianus. He was acclaimed emperor by the legions in Egypt during the civil wars following the death of Nero and gained control of Italy after the defeat of Vitellius. His reign saw the restoration of financial and military order and the initiation of a public building programme.