When talking about the Flavian Dynasty (Vespasian, Titus and Domitian) the focus is usually on the impact their policies had on Rome: the financial, social and development reforms aimed at improving the quality of life of the population. Similar initiatives that are desperately needed by Italy today.

The end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty – good news for Rome

To better understand and appreciate the success the Flavians enjoyed one has to look at the challenges that presented themselves following the turbulent years of the preceding Julio-Claudian dynasty.

Nero’s suicide in AD 68 marked the end of a reign of tyranny, extravagance and… fire (supposedly). Namely, the Great Fire of Rome of 64 AD. The year following his death was a period of politcal and economical instability, including a civil war. It was a remarkable year, in fact, as 4 emperors ruled in quick succession: Galba, Otho, Vitellius and finally Vespasian.

The Flavian Dysnasty (69–96 AD) was a turning point for Rome. The political system was improved and started to function effectively again. Finances where restored and major landmarks built.

The Flavians (starting from Vespasian)

Vespasian was born into a family of equestrians from a village near the modern city of Rieti. Not the typical background of an emperor. Julius Caesar, for example, was born into a Patrician family, the Gens Julia, that claimed to descend from the Venus and Mars.

His rise to power was due, in part, to his success as a military commander. In 66 AD, for example, he subjugated the Judaea province during the Jewish rebellion of 66 AD. He was also a person of integrity, charisma and experience having been elected a consul and subsequently governer of the Africa Province.

In 69 AD is succeeded to Vitellius and was declared emperor by the Senate.

Rome under the Flavian Dynasty

Vespasian arrived to Rome with a plan in mind to deal with the instability inherited from the previous years. He quickly gained support from politicians, the Senate, the military and the public by rewarding loyalty (and removing those against him).

Vespasian was ‘media savvy’ too and understood that controlling the perception people had of him was key to ensuring his power and influence continued. What current Italian politician shares the same trait?

However, the financial situation he inherited was dire as a lot of resources has been consumed by the civil war. But thanks to his fiscal policies and taxtation he was able to restore economic stability and order, characteristics that Romans valued a great deal.

Of all policies that Vespasian was responsibile for the most famous remains the vectigal urinae, a tax that was originally levied by Nero upon the collection of urine. This tax could be justified as urine (a source of ammonia) served as the raw material for a number of chemical processes. This did not stop him from gaining a reputation as somewhat stingy leader and have urinals named after him – you can still see modern versions of Vespasiani around Rome today.

Vespasian continued to invest time and money making Rome a more prosperous and habitable city, but it was his sons Titus and Domitian, who become emperors after him, who are credited with much of the architectural and urban development work that was completed: the Colosseum, the Arch of Titus, the Odeon of Domitian, the Stadium of Domitian (now Piazza Navona) and the Domus Flaviae e Augustana palaces on the Palatine hill.

Architectural achievements of Vespasian, Titus and Domitian

This list is by all means complete, but if you happen to be in Rome you should make an effort to see the following:

• Temple of Peace (Templus Pacis) – Inaugurated un 75 AD by Vespasian to commemorate victory in Judea

• Colosseum – A joint production: commissioned by Vespasian, inaugurated by Titus in 80 AD and completed by Dominitian

• Templum Gentis Flaviae – Built by Dominitian in 95 AD to celebrate the Flavian family.

• Arch of Titus – Built by Dominitian in 95 AD and dedicated to his brother, Titus

• Flavian Palace and the Domus Augustana – Started by Vespasian and finished by Dominitian. The former was more an exercise to show off the Flavian dynasty’s power and influence and the latter is was their private residence.

• Stadium of Domitian – Built by Domitian to for athletic contest later become Piazza Navona.

Does Rome need Vespasian today?

The situation in Italy today is quite bleak. There may not be civil wars in Italy but security is an issue just the same. Even before the global economic hit Italy the economy wasn’t performing particularly well – now thousands are losing jobs. The closest parrallel is, however, the disfunctioning political system. If you want to learn about the corruption and excesses of modern Italian politics you should read a book called La Casta (the caste), by Sergio Rizzo.

Italy needs a new Vespasian desperately. A leader with integrity, charisma who is not afraid to make tough decisions. The current ‘Emperor Berlusconi’ may share some of the qualities but lacks integrity.

Want to know more about the Flavian Dynasty?

Simpe. Visit the Divus Vespasianus: Il Bimillenario dei Flavi exhibition that runs until 10 January 2010, and give yourself enough time in Rome to visit the above mentioned landmarks.

About the author

Pablo Moreno is a Chilean sociologist from the Pontifical Gregorian University of Rome, Professor of Ancient History at a number of universities in Chile and a consultant to the Chilean government on environmental issues for projects in the energy and mining industries.

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