Although he held the consulship in 51 AD , Vespasian became more highly regarded as a successful military commander . He took part in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD , p16 and the Jewish rebellion of 66 AD . Although he attained the standard succession of public offices , holding the consulship in 51 AD , Vespasian became more reputed as a successful military commander , participating in the Roman invasion of Britain in 43 , and subjugating Judaea during the Jewish rebellion of 66 AD .