Valentinian I vs Vespasian

After the sudden death of Jovian, the Roman army elected Valentinian I as emperor at Nicaea. Valentinian was a capable military officer from Pannonia. He immediately appointed his brother Valens as co-emperor for the East, dividing the empire.

Valentinian I launched a series of campaigns against the Alamanni tribes who had invaded Gaul. He crossed the Rhine River and defeated them at the Battle of Solicinium (modern Rottenburg am Neckar). These campaigns secured the Rhine frontier for a decade.

Valentinian I ordered an extensive program of fortification along the Rhine and Danube borders. He built new forts, repaired existing walls, and established a system of watchtowers. This defensive strategy strengthened Roman control and deterred barbarian raids.

While receiving a delegation of Quadi barbarians at Brigetio on the Danube, Valentinian I became enraged at their insolent demeanor. He suffered a stroke (apoplexy) and died shortly after. His sudden death left the Western Empire in the hands of his young sons Gratian and Valentinian II.

Vespasian was proclaimed emperor by his troops in Egypt and later recognized by the Senate after the death of Vitellius. He founded the Flavian dynasty, ending the Year of the Four Emperors.

Vespasian's son Titus captured Jerusalem after a siege, destroying the Second Temple. The victory ended the First Jewish-Roman War and established the Flavian reputation.

Vespasian restored the empire's finances by increasing taxes, including a tax on urine collected from public latrines for use in fulling cloth. He also revalued the currency and reduced spending.

Vespasian began construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre (Colosseum) on the site of Nero's Domus Aurea. The project used spoils from the Jewish War and provided public entertainment.

Vespasian died of natural causes at age 69, the first Roman emperor to die in office since Vespasian. He was deified by the Senate, and his sons Titus and Domitian succeeded him.