Roman Emperor. He was born in 9 AD into an equestrian family, and spent his early life in the army, serving as a military tribune in Thrace in 36 AD. He then rose through the ranks of public office, reaching the rank of praetor in 40 AD. He was appointed legate of Legio II "Augusta" during the reign of the Emperor Claudius, and in 43 AD, he took part in the invasion of Britain, leading the capture of twenty hill forts, including Maiden Castle in Dorset. He also captured the Isle of Wight, for which he was awarded triumphal regalia on his return to Rome. He was elected consul in 51 AD, but retired from public life until 63 AD, when he was made governor of the African Province. On his return from Africa he joined Nero's retinue, but fell from favour when he fell asleep during one of the Emperor's musical recitals. In 66 AD he was put in charge of the war in Judea, and after his victory there was made procurator for Judea. During the civil wars that followed Nero's death in 68 AD he gained the support of the armies of Moesia, Pannonia and Illyricum, who and overthrew the Emperor Vitellius and advanced on Rome. He was declared Emperor by the Senate in September 69 AD, and began his reign by reversing Nero's treason laws and introducing new taxes in an attempt to restore Rome's finances. Civil war continued throughout the Empire, and in 70 AD he ordered the capture of Jerusalem and the destruction of its Jewish temple. He also put down rebellions in Gaul and Germany, but avoided future uprisings by offering gifts to many in the military and dismissing those still loyal to Vitellius. He then mounted an extensive propaganda campaign, and supported the writers Tacitus, Suetonius, Josephus and Pliny the Elder, who all wrote favourably of him. His building projects included the Temple of Peace and the Temple of the Deified Claudius, but he is best known for beginning the construction of the Colosseum. He survived many conspiracies against his life, and died in 79 AD of an intestinal inflammation, his last words being "I think I am becoming a God". He was buried in the Mausoleum of Augustus, but his remains were later moved to the tomb of the Flavian family.