How did Vespasian manage his relationship with the Roman Senate?

Vespasian maintained a relationship with the Roman Senate that was characterized as courteous but firm. While he was officially confirmed by the Senate in December 69 CE, he remained transparent about the military origins of his power, often prioritizing his own authority over constitutional precedent.12

His management of the Senate included the following approaches:

• Administrative Integration: Vespasian used the Senate as a reservoir for capable administrators. By assuming the office of censor in 73 CE, he recruited many new members into the Senate, including individuals from Italy and the western provinces, furthering the provincialization of the body.21
• Limited Initiative: He allowed the Senate little independent initiative, preferring to consolidate power within his own Flavian house by frequently holding the consulship himself, often alongside his son Titus.21
• Handling Opposition: While he generally maintained friendly relations, he was ruthless toward those he deemed dangerous or irreconcilable, such as the senator Helvidius Priscus, who was executed following disagreements over hereditary succession. However, he was noted for showing good-natured tolerance toward minor offenses.2