How did Vespasian prepare Titus to succeed him as emperor?

Vespasian actively prepared his son Titus for the succession by integrating him into the highest levels of imperial governance, effectively making him a partner in his rule.12

To solidify Titus’s position and ensure the continuity of the Flavian dynasty, Vespasian employed several strategies:

• Shared Authority: Vespasian frequently held the consulship alongside Titus and allowed him to share in the "salutations" as imperator received from the armies.12
• Administrative Roles: In 73, Vespasian and Titus served together as censors, a position that allowed them to reorganize provincial communities and recruit new members into the Senate.12
• Military Command: Vespasian entrusted Titus with significant military responsibility, including command of the Praetorian Guard, which was vital for maintaining control over the military basis of the principate.1

Through these measures, Vespasian made it clear throughout his reign that his sons would succeed him, ensuring that Titus was well-prepared to assume the throne upon his father's death in 79.12