43 The Roman conquest of Britain begins. Aulus Plautius lands with four legions and defeats the Britons, led by Caratacus and Togodumnus, in battles on the rivers Medway and Thames. He halts at the Thames and sends for Claudius, who leads the march on Camulodunum. Meanwhile, Vespasian subdues the south-west. The Romans found the cities of London, then known as Londinium, and Peterborough, and begin to construct a road that later becomes Ermine Street.
51 Claudius and Vespasian are Roman Consuls.
54 Maiden Castle in Dorset is captured from the Celtic Durotriges by Vespasian.
63 Vespasian becomes governor of Africa
67 Vespasian arrives in Judea to put down the Jewish Revolt.
68 The year of the four emperors: Galba (68), Otho (69) and Vitellius (69) all govern a very short time before Vespasian becomes emperor.
69 The Year of the four emperors: After Nero's death, Galba, Otho and Vitellius all serve as emperor for a short time each before Vespasian takes over.
70 Annexation of the island of Samothrace by the Roman Empire under Vespasian.
71 Vespasian and Nerva are Roman Consuls.
72 Antiochus IV of Syria is deposed by Vespasian.
73 Vespasian begins conquest of territory east of the upper Rhine and south of the Main. In addition he reoganizes the defenses of the upper and lower Danube.
98 Trajan is the first Roman Emperor born in a Roman province (Italica, near Seville). A brilliant soldier and administrator, he enters Rome without ceremony, and wins over the publi Continuing the policies of Augustus, Vespasian and Nerva, he restores the Senate to its full status in the government. He has a specific vision of the Empire, and keeps a close watch on finances. Taxes, without any increase, are sufficient during his reign to pay the considerable costs of the budget.