What was Galba known for?
Rather than leaving behind a lasting legacy, Galba is probably best known today for spearheading the turbulent spell in Roman history known as the Year of the Four Emperors, in which four emperors ruled in quick secession throughout the year of 69 A.D. They were Galba, followed by Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian.
Who assassinated Galba?
Otho won over the praetorians with the promise of a donative, and they murdered Galba and Piso in the Roman Forum on January 15. The historian Tacitus famously wrote of Galba, “It was everyone’s opinion that he was capable of ruling the empire, had he never ruled” (Histories, Book I, part 49).
What did Otho look like?
Suetonius, in The Lives of the Caesars, comments on Otho’s appearance and personal hygiene. He is said to have been of moderate height, splay-footed and bandy-legged, but almost feminine in his care of his person.
What did Vitellius do?
Vitellius was recognized by the Senate. He entered Rome in July, sacrificed to Nero, and replaced the Praetorian Guard with his troops from Germany. He did nothing to win over Otho’s troops or those from other parts of the empire, however.
What happened to Galba?
He especially adopted Piso Licinianus as heir (Galba was childless and elderly), instead of Otho, who, it had widely been assumed, would be chosen. Angered by this disgrace, Otho murdered Galba on 15 January with the help of the Praetorian Guard, and became emperor instead.
Why was Galba assassinated?
Galba’s physical weakness and general apathy led to him being selected-over by favorites. Unable to gain popularity with the people or maintain the support of the Praetorian Guard, Galba was murdered by Otho, who became emperor in his place.
Who was emperor after Galba?
Galba then made matters worse by ignoring his faithful supporter, Marcus Otho, and naming Lucius Piso as his successor. Otho was furious. He gained the support of the Praetorian Guard, who assassinated both Galba and Piso – just seven months after Galba had been named emperor.
Who was Otho to Galba?
Immediately after the assassination of Galba, Otho, the governor of Lusitania, was proclaimed emperor by the army. However, the unrest that existed in the short reign of Galba would spell doom for the newly named leader of the Roman Empire, the second in the “year of the four emperors.”
Who was emperor after Otho?
After Galba and Otho perished in quick succession, Vitellius became emperor in April 69. The Roman legions of Roman Egypt and Judaea reacted by declaring Vespasian, their commander, the emperor on 1 July 69.
Why was Vitellius murdered?
Once he realised his support was wavering, Vitellius prepared to abdicate in favor of Vespasian. He was not allowed to do so by his supporters, resulting in a brutal battle for Rome between Vitellius’ forces and the armies of Vespasian. He was executed in Rome by Vespasian’s soldiers on 20 December 69.
How was Vitellius murdered?
On the banks of the Tiber, three assailants stab the Roman emperor Vitellius, a major protagonist in the struggle for succession after Nero’s death. He had been declared emperor by his troops but was defeated by Vespasian, whose own army had declared him emperor.