The Year of the Four Emperors, AD 69, was the first civil war of the Roman Empire, during which four emperors ruled in succession. They were, Galba, Otho, Vitellius and Vespasian. It is considered an important interval, marking the transition from the Julio-Claudians, the first imperial dynasty, to the Flavian dynasty.
In 68 AD, Vindex, legate of Gallia Lugdunensis, revolted against Nero, the Emperor and encouraged Galba, governor of Hispania, to claim the Empire. The latter was acclaimed emperor by his legion in early April. He was notably supported by Otho, legate of Lusitania. Soon after, the legate of a legion in Africa, Clodius Macer, also rebelled against Nero. Finally on 09 June 68, Nero committed suicide after being declared a public enemy by the Senate, which made Galba the new emperor.
The Roman Empire in 68-69 AD.
Galba was unable to establish his authority over the Empire, as several of his supporters were disappointed by his lack of gratitude. 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 and became emperor instead.
Unlike Galba he rapidly earned considerable popularity, notably by bestowing favours and emulating Nero's successful early years. Otho still had to face another claimant, Vitellius, who had been acclaimed by the legions of the Rhine on 01 January 69 AD.
Vitellius won the First Battle of Bedriacum on 14 April, defeating the emperor. Otho committed suicide the next day, and Vitellius was appointed emperor by the Senate on 19 April. The new emperor had little support outside of his veterans from the German legions.
When Vespasian, legate of Syria, made his bid known, he received the allegiance of the legions of the Danube as well as many former supporters of Galba and Otho. After his acclamation in Alexandria on 01 July, Vespasian sent his friend Mucianus with a part of his Army to fight Vitellius, but the Danubian legions commanded by Antonius Primus had not waited for Mucianus and defeated Vitellius' legion at the Second Battle of Bedriacum on 24 October. Vitellius was subsequently killed by a mob on 20 December, Mucianus arrived several days after and swiftly secured Vespasian's position in Rome. The Senate acknowledged Vespasian as Emperor on 21 December 69 AD. He became the founder of the Flavian dynasty which succeeded the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The Flavians ruled from 69AD to 96 AD.
Coins during the Year of the Four Emperors
Galba, AR Denarius, Spanish mint, GALBA IMP, Obverse: laureate head right with globe at point of bust, Reverse: DIVA AVGVSTA, Livia standing left, holding patera and long scepter.
Otho, Denarius, 69 AD, weight 7.3 gm, Obverse: OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head right, Reverse: PAX ORBIS TERRARVM, Pax standing left, holding branch and caduceus.
Otho, Rome, AR Denarius, Obverse: IMP OTHO CAESAR AVG TR P, bare head left, Reverse: Pax ORBIS TERRARVS, Pax draped, standing left holding branch and caduceus.
Vitellius, AR Denarius, 69 AD, weight 3.3 gm, Spanish mint, Obverse: A VITELLIVS IMP GERMAN, laureate head right, globe at point, Reverse: FIDES EXERCITVM above and below clasped hands
The Year of The Four Emperors, 69 AD.
Coins of The Year of Four Emperors, 69 AD.
Coins, courtesy: Wildwinds.
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