Suetonius on Vespasian and the Isle of Wight

Born in 69 AD, the classical writer Gaius Suetonius Tranquillus recorded some news on the Roman invasion of Vectis (the Isle of Wight) in his dramatic biography The Twelve Caesars. The Second Legion Augusta, commanded by the legate Vespasian, who later became emperor, was the military unit that conquered the island during the Roman invasion. It is perhaps fitting, therefore, that coinage from his reign was among the finds made by Time Team at the Isle of Wight site.

'Vespasian proceeded to Britain where he fought 30 battles, subjugated two warlike tribes, and captured more than 20 towns, besides the entire Isle of Vectis.'

What would it have been like to live under the occupation of such an accomplished commander? Suetonius gives us a few clues: '[Later in his career] in the distribution of provinces Vespasian drew Africa, where his rule was characterised by great justice and dignity, except on a single occasion when the people of Hadrumetum rioted and pelted him with turnips.'