Great events were occurring in Rome while the war in Judea was being won.

The emperor Nero's increasingly erratic behavior in the middle of 68 CE had finally lost him all support for his position.

The Roman Senate, the praetorian guard and several prominent army commanders had conspired for his removal.

When the senate declared Nero an Enemy of the people, he fled Rome and committed suicide.

The newly installed emperor Galba is murdered after just a few months by Otho, a rival, triggering a civil war that comes to be known as the Year of the Four Emperors.

While the Jewish Revolt continues to rage in Palestine, Joseph has remained a prisoner in the Roman camp for two years; his prediction had gained in credibility after the death of Nero in 68, and comes true late in 69, when the popular Vespasian, though previously uninvolved, is also hailed emperor by the legions under his command.

Vespasian decides, upon gaining further widespread support, to return to Rome to claim the throne from the usurper Vitellius, leaving his son Titus to finish the war in Judea.

The agreeable Jewish prisoner is given his freedom and attaches himself to the Roman cause.