Year of the Four Emperors

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Year of the Four Emperors

The Year of the Four Emperors was a year in the history of the Roman Empire, AD 69, in which four emperors ruled in succession: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian. This period marked the end of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and was characterized by civil war and political chaos.

Background

The death of Nero in AD 68 led to a power vacuum and a series of rapid successions. Galba, the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, was declared emperor by the Senate but quickly became unpopular due to his harsh policies and inability to pay the Praetorian Guard.

Galba's Reign

Galba's short reign was marked by his attempts to restore financial stability to the empire. However, his refusal to pay the Praetorian Guard and his execution of several prominent senators led to widespread dissatisfaction. On January 15, AD 69, he was assassinated by the Praetorian Guard, who then declared Otho as emperor.

Otho's Reign

Otho's reign was equally brief. He faced immediate opposition from Vitellius, the commander of the Germania Inferior legions, who had been declared emperor by his troops. Otho's forces were defeated at the Battle of Bedriacum, and he committed suicide on April 16, AD 69.

Vitellius' Reign

Vitellius then took power but faced opposition from Vespasian, the commander of the legions in Judea. Vitellius' reign was marked by excess and mismanagement, leading to further instability. Vespasian's forces, led by Marcus Antonius Primus, defeated Vitellius' troops at the Second Battle of Bedriacum. Vitellius was captured and killed on December 20, AD 69.

Vespasian's Reign

Vespasian was declared emperor by the Senate on December 21, AD 69. His reign marked the beginning of the Flavian dynasty and brought stability to the empire. Vespasian focused on financial reforms, military consolidation, and the restoration of the empire's infrastructure.

Related Pages

• Galba
• Otho
• Vitellius
• Vespasian
• Julio-Claudian dynasty
• Flavian dynasty
• Battle of Bedriacum
• Roman civil wars