Nero Appoints Vespasian to Suppress Revolt

The defeat of Cestius Gallus, commander of Roman forces in Syria, when he travels south to quell the growing revolt in Judaea leads both to further disaster for the Romans and to the decision to respond to the growing revolt in Judaea much more seriously. Nero grows increasingly concerned that the rebellion will spread beyond the borders of Judaea. He appoints Vespasian, a distinguished general, to crush it. Josephus describes Vespasian as a career military man whose previous experience in the western empire distinguishes him above all other candidates to assume the job of vanquishing the Jewish revolt. Vespasian and his legions thus depart for Judaea.