Year of the Four Emperors
The Year of the Four Emperors is a term that is used to describe the year 69AD, when there were four emperors which ruled Rome. These four emperors were Vespasian, Vitellius, Otho, and Galba. Once Nero committed suicide in the year 68AD, a civil war broke out in Rome for a short period of time. In this short period, between 68AD and 69AD, four generals gained the title of emperor and then lost it quickly. Galba was the first emperor, followed by Otho, Vitellius, and then Vespasian. The civil war that occurred during this time was testament to the fact that the Roman empire was in decline. Perhaps for the first time in its history, Rome was in a state of anarchy during this time.
The final years of the reign of Nero were filled with terror. Nero was exceptionally paranoid, and the members of the Senate greatly feared him. By April 68AD, one of the senators decided that it was time for a rebellion. The senator responsible for this rebellion was Caius Julius Vindex, and his goal was to make Servius Sulpicius Galba emperor. Galba wanted to be emperor, and he immediately gained support for a march on Rome. A revolt was attempted in Gaul, but it was a failure. Lucius Verginius Rufus successfully defeated Vindex in battle, killing him. It was shortly after this event that the Senate decided to remove Nero as emperor. They would then turn around and give this title to Galba.
Shortly after this, Nero committed suicide. While many people were happy about the death of Nero, the popularity of Galba did not last very long. One mistake he made was immediately destroying a town that did not accept his status as emperor quickly enough. Galba would also change many of the reforms that were established by Nero, and a number of these were beneficial to the community. In the end, Galba was not much different than Nero in his final years as emperor. He was quick to execute those he felt were conspiring against him. In addition to this, he did not hold trials for his enemies.
Galba was eventually overthrown by a coup d'etate, and he was murdered. Otho became emperor immediately after his death. The Senate gave him authority, and even though he was greedy, he was not known to be cruel. The biggest problem that plagued him was the arrival of Vitellius and his army from Germany. The army of Vitellius was superior, and they defeated Otho at the Battle of Bedriacum. Otho would commit suicide immediately after this loss. He was only emperor for a few months. Vitellius was immediately given the title of emperor. He made a mistake by choosing a day to take the office that the Romans considered to be suspicious.
In addition to this Vitellius spent large amounts of money. Once creditors demanded payment, he had them executed or tortured. During this time Vespasian was gaining power in the Middle East. He would defeat Vitellius at the Battle of Bedriacum, and he would become emperor, ushering in a new dynasty.
Original Authors: Stephen Palmer
Edit Update Authors: RPN
Updated On: 29/01/2007
