Vitellius

Rochegrosse Vitellius traîné dans les rues de Rome par la populace, 1883

Vitellius, denarius, 69, RIC I 112

Vitellius, AD 69, from Rome, Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen (13263427793)

[[File:Aulus_Vitellius_(MRABASF_Matritum)_01.jpg_Wikimedia_Commons]</ref>_represent_him_as_broad-faced_with_several_double_chins,_and_it_is_this_type_which_informs_paintings_of_the_emperor_from_the_Renaissance_on._There_were_once_other_ancient_busts_claimed_to_be_of_Vitellius_which_later_scholarship_has_proved_to_be_of_someone_else._The_features_of_the_Grimani_Vitellius_particularly,_according_to|Aulus Vitellius (MRABASF Matritum) 01.jpg Wikimedia Commons]</ref> represent him as broad-faced with several double chins, and it is this type which informs paintings of the emperor from the Renaissance on. There were once other ancient busts claimed to be of Vitellius which later scholarship has proved to be of someone else. The features of the Grimani Vitellius particularly, according to|thumb]] [[File:Paul_Baudry_la_mort_de_Vitellius.jpg_Wikimedia_Commons]</ref>|Paul Baudry la mort de Vitellius.jpg Wikimedia Commons]</ref>|thumb]] [[File:Lenepveu_La_mort_de_Vitellius.JPG_Wikimedia_Commons]</ref>_and_an_engraving_by_Edouard_Vimont_(1876-1930). and an engraving by Edouard Vimont (1876-1930).<ref>[|thumb]] Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Augustus (24 September AD 15 – 22 December AD 69) was Roman Emperor for eight months, from 16 April to 22 December AD 69. Vitellius was acclaimed emperor following the quick succession of the previous emperors Galba and Otho, in a year that was later dubbed the "Year of the Four Emperors." His reign came during a period of significant instability in the Roman Empire, characterized by civil war and political upheaval.

Early Life

Aulus Vitellius was born into a family of high social standing. His father, Lucius Vitellius, was a three-time consul and a close advisor to Emperor Tiberius. Despite his illustrious lineage, Vitellius's early career was relatively undistinguished until he was appointed Governor of the province of Germania Inferior in AD 68.

Rise to Power

Vitellius's ascent to power was largely due to the support of the legions stationed in Germania. In early AD 69, following the death of Galba, the armies in Germania Inferior refused to swear allegiance to the new emperor, Otho, and instead proclaimed Vitellius as emperor. Vitellius, with his armies, then marched on Rome, leading to the brief but decisive Battle of Bedriacum, where Otho's forces were defeated. Otho subsequently committed suicide, leaving Vitellius as the uncontested ruler of the Roman Empire.

Reign

Vitellius's reign was marked by extravagance and administrative neglect. He is often depicted by ancient sources as indulgent and lacking in the discipline and vision necessary to manage the empire effectively. His popularity waned rapidly, and his rule was challenged by Vespasian, a general who had garnered significant support from the eastern provinces of the empire.

The conflict between Vitellius and Vespasian culminated in the Second Battle of Bedriacum, where Vitellius's forces were decisively defeated. Following this defeat, Vitellius attempted to abdicate in favor of Vespasian, but his efforts were in vain. He was captured and executed in Rome by Vespasian's forces, marking the end of his short-lived reign.

Legacy

Vitellius's reign is often cited as an example of the instability and chaos that plagued the Roman Empire during the Year of the Four Emperors. His inability to consolidate power or address the empire's pressing issues contributed to the ongoing civil unrest until Vespasian's eventual consolidation of power brought a degree of stability.

Vitellius's death also marked a significant shift in the Roman Empire's leadership, as Vespasian founded the Flavian dynasty, which would rule Rome for the next several decades.

See Also

• Year of the Four Emperors
• Roman Emperor
• Galba
• Otho
• Vespasian