Otho

Otone - foto di euthman

Otho (28 April AD 32 – 16 April AD 69) was Roman Emperor for a brief period in AD 69, a year known as the Year of the Four Emperors. A member of a noble Etruscan family, Otho was initially a friend and loyal supporter of Nero, before aligning himself with Galba, whom he later betrayed and overthrew. His reign was marked by the initial stages of the civil war known as the First Battle of Bedriacum, which led to his defeat by Vitellius. Otho's suicide after this defeat brought an end to the civil unrest temporarily, only for it to resume until the eventual victory of Vespasian, who founded the Flavian dynasty.

Early Life

Otho was born Marcus Salvius Otho on 28 April AD 32 into an ancient and noble Etruscan family. Little is known about his early life, but he rose to prominence in Rome as a close friend and confidant of Emperor Nero. Otho's relationship with Nero allowed him to gain significant political influence, but he was later sent to govern the remote province of Lusitania (modern Portugal and part of Spain), possibly to remove him from the center of power due to jealousy or political rivalry.

Rise to Power

In AD 68, Otho joined the rebellion of Galba, the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, against Nero. After Nero's suicide and Galba's accession to the throne, Otho expected to be named his successor. However, Galba chose Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus as his heir, prompting Otho to conspire against him. On 15 January AD 69, Otho's supporters declared him emperor, and Galba and Piso were killed in the ensuing conflict.

Reign and Downfall

Otho's reign was short-lived, lasting only three months. He faced immediate opposition from Vitellius, the governor of Germania Inferior, who had also claimed the imperial title. The two forces met at the First Battle of Bedriacum in northern Italy. Despite initial successes, Otho's forces were ultimately defeated.

In a surprising move, Otho decided to commit suicide on 16 April AD 69, after the defeat, stating that he wished to spare Rome from further civil war. His death was seen as an act of nobility and courage by many contemporaries and later historians.

Legacy

Otho's brief reign is often overshadowed by the chaotic events of the Year of the Four Emperors. However, his decision to commit suicide for the sake of peace has been praised by historians as a selfless act of patriotism. Otho's life and reign are a testament to the volatile nature of Roman imperial politics during the 1st century AD.