Emperor Vespasian Vespasian ruled from 69 to 79 AD partly thanks to his successful military career during the invasion of Britain in 43 AD and the subjugation of the Jewish Rebellion in Judea in 66 AD. Perhaps his greatest building achievement, still known today, was the ?Flavian Amphitheatre? built in the heart of Rome. Today it is better known as... ?The Coliseum?.