Family Vespasian

vespasian born in village north-east of rome called falacrinae. family relatively undistinguished , lacking in pedigree. paternal grandfather, titus flavius petro, became first distinguish himself, rising rank of centurion , fighting @ pharsalus pompey in 48 bc. subsequently became debt collector.

petro s son, titus flavius sabinus, worked customs official in province of asia , became money-lender on small scale among helvetii. gained reputation scrupulous , honest tax-farmer . sabinus married in status, vespasia polla, father had risen rank of prefect of camp , brother became senator.

sabinus , vespasia had 3 children, eldest of whom, girl, died in infancy. elder boy, titus flavius sabinus entered public life , pursued cursus honorum. served in army military tribune in thrace in 36. following year elected quaestor , served in crete , cyrene. rose through ranks of roman public office, being elected aedile on second attempt in 39 , praetor on first attempt in 40, taking opportunity ingratiate himself emperor caligula.

the younger boy, vespasian, seemed far less successful, not wishing pursue high public office. followed in brother s footsteps when driven mother s taunting. during period married flavia domitilla, daughter of flavius liberalis ferentium , formerly mistress of statilius capella, roman equestrian sabrata in africa.

they had 2 sons, titus flavius vespasianus (born 39) , titus flavius domitianus (born 51), , daughter, domitilla (born c. 45). wife domitilla , daughter domitilla both died before vespasian became emperor in 69. after death of wife, vespasian s longstanding mistress, antonia caenis, became wife in formal status, relationship continued until died in 75.