Vespasian

Vespasian was the first Roman emperor from an equestrian family, rising through military command rather than birthright. He led Legio II Augusta during the invasion of Britain in 43 and later commanded the suppression of the Jewish rebellion from 66 to 70. While he fought in Judaea, Nero died and Rome collapsed into the Year of the Four Emperors - Galba, Otho, and Vitellius fell in quick succession until the legions of Egypt and Judaea declared Vespasian emperor on 1 July 69. He took Egypt, joined forces with the governors of Syria and Pannonia, and by December his armies had defeated Vitellius. He reformed the treasury, expanded Britain through his general Agricola, and launched the construction of the Flavian Amphitheatre. When he died in 79, his son Titus succeeded him - the first natural succession in Roman imperial history.