AD 68 || Year of the Four Emperors Begins

‍Step back in time to AD 68, a pivotal year in ancient Roman history that marked the beginning of the Year of the Four Emperors. This period of political turmoil saw four different emperors come to power in rapid succession, each attempting to assert their authority amidst chaos and uncertainty. As the Roman Empire grappled with the death of Nero, the power vacuum left behind paved the way for Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and eventually Vespasian to all claim the throne. The Year of the Four Emperors was a time of intense power struggles, conspiracies, and shifting allegiances, as Roman generals vied for control and the future of the empire hung in the balance. It was a tumultuous and dramatic period that had far-reaching consequences and set the stage for the next era of Roman history. Join us as we delve into the intriguing events of AD 68 and explore the motivations and actions of these four ambitious rulers. Discover the political machinations, military campaigns, and personal sacrifices that defined this riveting chapter in ancient Roman history.

The Death of Emperor Nero and the Chaos That Followed

The infamous Emperor Nero, the last ruler of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, met a tragic end in AD 68, leaving a power vacuum in the Roman Empire. Nero's rule had been marked by extravagance, tyranny, and scandalous behaviour, causing widespread discontent among the Roman populace and the Senate.

Upon hearing of a rebellion led by the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, Servius Sulpicius Galba, Nero fell into despair. With no support from the Praetorian Guard or the Senate, he fled Rome, only to commit suicide shortly after. His last words were, "What an artist dies in me!" marking the end of an era and the start of a year-long power struggle.

Following Nero's death, the Roman Empire was thrown into chaos. The lack of a clear successor led to a power vacuum, setting the stage for the Year of the Four Emperors. The struggle for power among the next four emperors would be marked by political manoeuvring, military conflicts, and the shifting allegiances of the Roman legions.

Galba's Brief Reign as Emperor

After Nero's death, the Senate quickly declared Galba as the new emperor, hoping that his reputation for stern discipline would restore stability to the empire. However, Galba's reign was short-lived, and his strict policies quickly made him unpopular.

Galba's rule was marked by financial austerity and strict discipline. He dismissed the Praetorian Guard, which had been loyal to Nero, and replaced them with his own men, a move that led to widespread resentment. Furthermore, his refusal to pay the legions that had supported him and his decision to execute several Senators and equestrians further alienated his base of support.

This unrest culminated in a revolt led by Marcus Salvius Otho, a former friend and ally of Nero. Galba was assassinated in January of AD 69, ending his seven-month reign and paving the way for Otho to claim the throne.

Otho's Rise to Power and His Conflict with Vitellius

Otho was not a popular choice for emperor among the Senators, but he had the backing of the Praetorian Guard. He capitalized on their support and the discontent with Galba to seize power. However, his reign would be short-lived.

Otho attempted to win over the Roman populace by presenting himself as Nero's spiritual successor. He adopted extravagant policies and courted public opinion, but he faced opposition from Vitellius, the governor of Germania Inferior, who declared himself emperor with the support of the Rhine legions.

The two emperors clashed in the First Battle of Bedriacum, where Otho was defeated. Rather than fight on, Otho chose to commit suicide, declaring, "It is far more just to perish one for all, than many for one," and thus ended his three-month reign.

Vitellius' Short-Lived Reign as Emperor

Vitellius, backed by the legions of the Rhine, quickly seized control after Otho's defeat. His reign, like those of his predecessors, would be marked by excess and mismanagement.

Vitellius was known for his gluttony and extravagance, traits that were not well-received during a time of economic instability. His reign was marked by feasting and public games, draining the Roman treasury and leading to further discontent.

His rule was challenged by Vespasian, the governor of Judaea, who had the backing of the Eastern provinces and the legions in Egypt. This conflict would mark the final power shift in the Year of the Four Emperors.

The Emergence of Vespasian as a Contender for the Throne

While chaos ensued in Rome, Vespasian had been successfully leading the Roman legions in the Jewish War. His victories in the East and the support of the Eastern provinces and armies made him a formidable contender for the throne.

Vespasian declared his bid for the throne in July AD 69, backed by the legions in Egypt that controlled the grain supply to Rome, a crucial advantage. His supporters in the Senate also worked to undermine Vitellius, further destabilizing his reign.

The legions loyal to Vespasian marched on Rome, clashing with Vitellius' forces in the Second Battle of Bedriacum. Vitellius was defeated, captured, and brutally executed, marking the end of his eight-month reign and the rise of Vespasian.

Vespasian's Successful Campaign and Establishment as Emperor

Vespasian's rise to power marked the end of the Year of the Four Emperors. Unlike his predecessors, Vespasian had the military strength, political acumen, and popular support to hold onto power.

Vespasian focused on rebuilding Rome, both physically and morally, after a year of chaos and conflict. He embarked on numerous construction projects, including the famous Colosseum, and enacted reforms to stabilize the economy.

His reign marked the beginning of the Flavian dynasty, which would rule Rome for the next 27 years. Vespasian's successful transition to power brought an end to the turmoil of AD 68 and ushered in a period of relative stability and prosperity.

The Significance and Impact of the Year of the Four Emperors

The Year of the Four Emperors marked a significant turning point in Roman history. It demonstrated the power of the Roman legions to influence political outcomes, as each emperor's rise to power was heavily dependent on military support.

The year of AD 68 also highlighted the instability of the Roman political system, with the throne changing hands four times in a single year. It revealed the fragility of power and the role of personal ambition in shaping the course of history.

However, the chaos also paved the way for significant reforms under Vespasian, who worked tirelessly to restore stability and prosperity to the empire. The year's events thus had far-reaching consequences, shaping the trajectory of the Roman Empire in the decades to come.

Historical Accounts and Interpretations of AD 68

The events of AD 68 are primarily documented by Roman historians Tacitus, Suetonius, and Cassius Dio. Their accounts provide a detailed chronicle of the political maneuverings, military campaigns, and personal ambitions that defined this tumultuous year.

These historical accounts offer valuable insights into the motivations and actions of the four emperors, their strategies for securing power, and the challenges they faced. They also shed light on the societal and economic impacts of the power struggles, providing a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal period.

However, these accounts must be interpreted with caution, as they often reflect the biases of their authors. Nonetheless, they remain an invaluable resource for historians studying the Roman Empire and the Year of the Four Emperors.

Conclusion

The Year of the Four Emperors was a pivotal period in Roman history, marked by intense power struggles, shifting allegiances, and political turmoil. In the span of a single year, the Roman Empire saw the rise and fall of four emperors, each with their own ambitions and strategies for securing power.

Despite the chaos, the events of AD 68 set the stage for significant reforms and the establishment of the Flavian dynasty under Vespasian. It was a year that demonstrated the fragility of power, the influence of the military in politics, and the far-reaching consequences of personal ambition.

As we reflect on the events of AD 68, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of Roman politics, the dynamics of power, and the enduring impact of this tumultuous year on the course of Roman history.

• Nero
• Servius Sulpicius Galba
• Galba
• Marcus Salvius Otho
• Otho
• Vitellius
• Vespasian
• Tacitus
• Suetonius
• Cassius Dio