A new man in politics -- Vespasian and the aristocracy: the command in Britain -- From Nero's court to the walls of Jerusalem -- Appendix: Josephus' dates for the Jewish war -- The bid for empire -- The year 69 -- Vespasian's success -- Ideology in action -- A new emperor and his opponent -- Financial survival -- Stabilization: the winning of peace -- Enhancement: the physical and moral restoration of the Roman world -- Rome and Italy -- Provinces west and east: gifts, status, romanization, titles -- Imperialism: Vespasian's army and the extension of the empire -- Elites -- Vespasian and his sons -- Conclusion: ideology in the aftermath.