Lucius Vestinus

Family: Roman Empire · Role: knight · First appears: Histories IV.51-54

Life events

• Lucius Vestinus was entrusted with restoring the Capitol.(Histories IV.51-54 · 📍 Capitol)
  • “The task of restoring the Capitol was entrusted to Lucius Vestinus, who, though only a knight, yet in reputation and influence could rank with the highest.”
• The Capitol's rebuilding began with ritual purification, sacrifice, and placement of its foundation-stone.(Histories IV.51-54 · 📍 Capitol)
  • “On the 21st of June, a day of bright sunshine, the whole consecrated area of the temple was decorated with chaplets and garlands.”

Histories IV.51-54

• employer: Vespasian (The restoration task was entrusted to Lucius Vestinus under Vespasian's authority.) “Vespasian now devoted his attention to the affairs of Italy and the Capitol, and received an unfavourable report of Domitian, who seemed to be trespassing beyond the natural sphere of an emperor's youthful son. He accordingly handed over the flower of his army to Titus, who was to finish off the war with the Jews. It is said that before his departure Titus had a long talk with his father and begged him not to be rash and lose his temper at these incriminating reports, but to meet his son in a forgiving and unprejudiced spirit, 'Neither legions nor fleets,' he is reported to have said, 'are such sure bulwarks of the throne as a number of children. Time, chance and often, too, ambition and misunderstanding weaken, alienate or extinguish friendship: a man's own blood cannot be severed from him; and above all is this the case with a sovereign, for, while others enjoy his good fortune, his misfortunes only concern his nearest kin. Nor again are brothers likely to remain good friends unless their father sets them an example.' These words had the effect of making Vespasian rather delighted at Titus' goodness of heart than inclined to forgive Domitian. 'You may ease your mind,' he said to Titus, 'It is now your duty to increase the prestige of Rome on the field: I will concern myself with peace at home.' Though the weather was still very rough, Vespasian at once launched his fastest corn-ships with a full cargo. For the city was on the verge of famine. Indeed, there were not supplies for more than ten days in the public granaries at the moment when Vespasian's convoy brought relief. The task of restoring the Capitol was entrusted to Lucius Vestinus, who, though only a knight, yet in reputation and influence could rank with the highest.”

Also listed in Roman Empire — Minor Figures

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Extracted from the original text of Tacitus — The Histories & The Annals (Books I-VI) & Agricola. Made with Rho MD.