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Vespasian: Roman Senate
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In 73 Vespasian and Titus became censors. In this office, although little is known about the details, they probably carried out extensive reorganization of the provincial communities, including some of the taxation reforms mentioned earlier. They bestowed Latin rights on all Spain, which meant that all city magistrates obtained Roman citizenship, with consequent profit to the imperial treasury; and no doubt Roman citizenship was granted liberally elsewhere. In addition they recruited many new members, provincial as well as Italian, to the Roman Senate.
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In 43, Vespasian and the II Augusta participated in the Roman invasion of Britain, and he distinguished himself under the overall command of Aulus Plautius. After participating in crucial early battles on the rivers Medway and Thames, he was sent to reduce the southwest, penetrating through the modern counties of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, Devon and Cornwall with the probable objectives of securing the south coast ports and harbours along with the tin mines of Cornwall and the silver and lead mines of Somerset. He fought 30 battles, captured twenty oppida (towns, or more probably hill forts, including Hod Hill and Maiden Castle in Dorset), subdued two powerful nations and reduced Vectis (the Isle of Wight), finally setting up a fortress and legionary headquarters at Isca Dumnoniorum. These successes earned him triumphal regalia (ornamenta triumphalia) on his return to Rome.
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On December 21 Vespasian's position was officially confirmed by the Senate, but he remained quite frank about the military origin of his rule. He dated his powers to July 1, when the troops had acclaimed him... flouting constitutional precedent and contradicting even the behaviour of his rival Vitellius, who had awaited confirmation by the Senate.
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A delegation from the Senate informed Vespasian that a colossal statue of him costing a million sesterces had been voted in his honor at public expense. The emperor struck out his hand palm upward, and said "Here's the pedestal, give me the money!"
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Vespasian combined a firm fiscal policy with a sure touch for populist politics and an instinct for dealing with the Senate. His personal style was no-nonsense and down-to-earth. But he made appointments astutely and he could be ruthless with opponents.
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Given the bloodshed by which Vespasian had gained the throne and Titus’ own reputation, Romans had good reason to fear this succession. But there was no need. Power was handed over peacefully and Titus was a surprisingly good ruler.
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