Flavian Emperors Rebuilt Rome After Nero, New Analysis Argues

According to a recent analysis, Vespasian, Titus, and Domitian played crucial roles in revitalizing an empire in turmoil following Nero's demise. After winning the civil war of AD 69, Vespasian united the eastern legions while addressing a Jewish uprising. He faced an empty treasury and a rebellious army. The Lex de Imperio Vespasiani reinstated Julio-Claudian authority. To bolster finances, Vespasian increased provincial taxes, redirected the Jewish temple tax, and introduced the urine tax, famously stating 'pecunia non olet.' He disbanded unreliable military units, appointed Titus as Praetorian Prefect, and secured the empire's borders. In AD 71, a triumph was celebrated for their conquest in Judea. After managing disasters in AD 79, Titus passed away in September AD 81, with Domitian succeeding him. Domitian, who micromanaged the economy and deified relatives, was assassinated in AD 96 and succeeded by Nerva. The reforms of the Flavians set the stage for the Antonine Golden Age.