AD 69 -- AD 79: Titus Flavius Vespasian Titus Flavius Vespasian was Nero's general and he seized power after the fall of the four emperors. He was not Roman, but Italian. He began construction of the Colosseum, or the Flavian Amphitheatre. AD 79: Mount Vesuvius erupted A little while after the death of Vespasian, Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying Herculaneum and Pompey. AD 79 -- AD 81: Titus Titus succeeded his father Vespasian. He had ended the war in Jerusalem by destroying the city. He was known for his kindness and was very popular AD 81 -- AD 96: Domitian Domitian succeeded his brother Titus. He was also a good administrator, but was stingy. He completed the Flavian amphtitheatre. He was murdered by the praetorian guard when he purged other senators.