Otho Marcus Salvius
Otho was born in 32 AD and was a close friend of Nero's. However, in 59, when an affair developed between Nero and Otho's wife, Poppea Sabina, Nero sent his friend away from Rome to serve as Governor of Lusitania.
Young Otho proved to be a competent governor in his decade of service in Lusitania. He had supported Galba in 69 but was disappointed when the latter did not choose him to be his successor. He then conspired against Galba, won the Praetorians' support, killed Galba and acceded to the throne on January 15th, 69.
His reign was acknowledged in Italy and many of the provinces, but the Roman legions in Germania proclaimed Vitellius as emperor. Otho himself commanded the final battle against Vitellius' forces near Bedriacum, and after he had been defeated he took his own life on April 6th, 69. |
Cart