Lex de Imperio Vespasiani

Roman law

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June 17, 2026

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The Lex de Imperio Vespasiani, or "Law Regulating Vespasian's Authority," was a Roman law passed on December 22, 69 CE. This law conferred all imperial powers upon Emperor Vespasian, with the Senate ratifying the action. It is believed to be the first time such a law was enacted, and a fragment of it is preserved on the Capitoline Hill in Rome.1

Vespasian, the founder of the Flavian dynasty, came from humble origins and faced the challenge of restoring peace and stability to the Roman Empire after the civil wars of 69 CE. His reign was marked by fiscal reforms, stringent economies, and the introduction of new taxes, including a poll tax on Jews, to rehabilitate public finances. He also initiated a significant building program, which included the construction of the Colosseum. Vespasian's actions aimed to consolidate the empire and ensure the succession of his sons, Titus and Domitian, establishing the Flavian dynasty which ruled from 69 to 96 CE.213

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ancient Rome
The Flavian emperors
…en bloc with the famous Lex de Imperio Vespasiani (“Law Regulating Vespasian’s authority”), and the Assembly ratified the Senate’s action. This apparently was the first time that such a law was passed; a fragmentary copy of it is preserved on the Capitol in Rome.
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…en bloc with the famous Lex de Imperio Vespasiani (“Law Regulating Vespasian’s authority”), and the Assembly ratified the Senate’s action. This apparently was the first time that such a law was passed; a fragmentary copy of it is preserved on the Capitol in Rome.
Read More