The important figure associated with the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD is Vespasian. He was the Roman Emperor during that time, although he was not Emperor when the siege began, as his son, Titus, was in command of the forces that ultimately captured the city. Vespasian became Emperor in 69 AD and was responsible for the overall military campaign.
To clarify the other figures mentioned:
- Nero was Emperor before Vespasian and reigned until 68 AD.
- Augustus was the first Roman Emperor and reigned from 27 BC to AD 14, long before the destruction of Jerusalem.
- Pontius Pilate was the Roman governor of Judea who presided over the trial of Jesus, and his governance took place earlier in the first century, before the events leading to the destruction of Jerusalem.
So, Vespasian is the correct answer regarding the Emperor present at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem.