The Emperor Nero, fearful that a rebellion in Judea could presage others throughout the Roman Empire, recalls General Titus Flavius Vespasian from banishment. As Vespasian and his son Titus win victories throughout Judea, Nero commits suicide and Rome once again falls into civil war. In a move to stabilize the country, the military demands that Vespasian, though born a commoner, take the throne.