VESPASIAN’S RULE

VESPASIAN’S RULE

            According to Suetonius, the correct use of public power is one where a leader upholds justice despite the circumstances. According to Suetonius, Vespasian rises to power after a series of difficult tests which are an intense preparation for the emperor role. Being the first member of the Equestrian family to rise to the position of emperor yet being so strong is an accurate measure of leadership capability. Suetonius argues correctly that correct use of public involves strong upholding of justice, cherishing dignity, military mighty and should not have an excessive love for money, traits which Vespasian fulfils but except for love for money though Suetonius argues that it is for the good of the empire. The reason for the above argument is that Vespasian is a successful emperor at long last supporting Suetonius’ evidence.

A well-functioning state requires a strong military army since it is common that a weak government will eventually be overthrown. The economy of a state is also a critical issue that needs to be given sufficient attention to the functioning of every arm of the government. Also, the social structure of a state needs proper understanding by a ruler. A ruler’s understanding of the social structure ensures that the leadership takes into consideration the social needs of every subject under the government. The way in which Vespasian addresses the military, economic and social issues of the Roman Empire form a critical basis on what type of leadership is evidenced.

The strength of the military unit is a determinant of a state’s readiness for any threat. States are always at a threat of facing conquest from enemies who are led by the desire to overthrow empires. According to Suetonius, Vespasian was a mighty man of war since the success in war leadership backed the ascension to power. Suetonius 4.1, states that “[Vespasian] fought and won thirty battles in Germany, rendering into subjection, two powerful kingdoms of that time.”  Suetonius is convinced that Vespasian succeeded in maintaining the military since even after ascending to power; Vespasian was more determined to strengthen the state more than anything else. The addition of eight consulships to the already existing one was evidence of Vespasian’s commitment to maintaining the strength of the state.

How Suetonius presents, the strength of Vespasian is full of sarcasm though. It may sound funny how the emperor has a weak faith but maintains a strong army. For example, a simple task like spitting on the leg of a disabled man to give strength seems to trouble the emperor. According to Suetonius 7.2, Vespasian only decides to test the strength of his faith after the advice given by friends. The sarcasm in Suetonius’ presentation; however, acts to support the thesis that Vespasian was the right man for the emperor’s job. A great military man would never grow single-handedly, and in most of the times, advice from trustworthy friends would still serve the purpose.

The economy of a state is critical in the well-functioning of the state’s units. The state of the treasury, for example, could have driven Vespasian into being seen as having a great love for money. Suetonius 16.1 states that Vespasian’s love for money was so evident that the tribute paid by the provinces doubled at some instances. The desire for money needs not to be judged harshly; however, since the spending of the money is only for the benefit of the empire. Vespasian argues that the state required a lot of money to set matters straight. The claims given for Vespasian’s love for money do not seem concrete since there is not enough evidence provided.

The outcome of the said Vespasian’s love for money contradicts the means employed to gain wealth. Vespasian is presented as a man driven by, and no imperfection could be associated with the emperor. The thesis by Suetonius that Vespasian was a good leader is further supported by the evidence provided. As Suetonius 17.1 states, [Vespasian] was most generous to all classes. The restoration of the right conditions of the cities that had suffered from wars and earthquakes proves the proper money of the money obtained. Also, Suetonius 18.1 says that Vespasian paid salaries to Greek rhetoric teachers from his pockets and was the first emperor in history to give the wages.

The understanding of the social structure of the state shows a leader’s determination to serve the subjects. The decisions made by any leader should at all times avoid contradicting the social welfare of the subjects as it could trigger internal rebellion. Vespasian ruled with substantial justice and respected the social beliefs of the state. On matters of punishment, Suetonius 15.1 states that no innocent man was punished and if the punishment was inevitable, Vespasian shed tears but did not by any means block the ways of justice. Also, according to Suetonius 10.1, Vespasian increased the number of commissioners to make court decisions and accelerate the process of delivering justice.

The actions of Vespasian go hand-in-hand with the argument that public power was justly used during the reign.  Suetonius is not sarcastic in the way he presents Vespasian’s understanding of the social structure of the state. The selfless attempt of dealing with extravagance and licentiousness by Vespasian proved great leadership qualities. Also, the accumulation of lawsuits that was delaying justice was dealt with through a socially acceptable manner, that is, by increasing the number of commissioners to make court decisions.

Suetonius represents Vespasian as such a perfect emperor whose faults are overshadowed by the desire to do good. Vespasian meets the standards of Suetonius’ qualities of a leader who uses public power justly. The strength of Vespasian’s military, the wisdom in maintaining the economy and the understanding of the state’s social structure is a perfect combination for a great leader. The military strength is made concrete by Vespasian’s desire to strengthen the state more than anything else. The selfless nature of Vespasian drives him to activities that make many people think that the emperor loves many only for the benefit of the empire’s economic benefit. Vespasian brings sanity in the social structure of the Roman Empire. It is evident that the Roman Empire had for many years missed the chance of being led by such a perfect leader. perfect leader.