Year of the Four Emperors
Galba - born 3BC and died AD69 was the first of the Four Emperor's to rule in AD69. However, his stint started 6 months earlier ion AD68 when the position of Emperor came his way by luck rather than design. He had supported Julius Vindex's revolt against Nero but cautiously reversing his support after his defeat and suicide. It was only after Nero's suicide and support from a few influential senators including Otho did he decide to march on Rome and take the laurel. He became unpopular ealy in his rule, levying taxes, failing to reward the army that got him to Rome, reducing the power of the senators and falling out with Otho, the latter believing that he rather the Piso should be considered the rightful heir. Otho then undertook a conspiracy to assassinate Galba.
Some say that Galba was taken a back when the soldiers approached him with their swords drawn. "What do you mean, fellow-soldiers? I am yours, and you are mine," [1]. Suetonius says that other writers relate that he was prepared for it. "Do your work, and strike, since you are resolved upon it."
For proof of the deed the one of the soldiers severed his head but finding he had no hair to carry him by, stuck the head up his vest and later carried him rather like a bowling ball with his fingers jammed in his mouth. Once Otho had done a positive id he gave the head to the slaves who stuck it on a spear and ran around the camp grounds with it.
Galba inclined to the male sex with a preference for men of his own age. It is said that upon learning that he had succeeded in being hailed Emperor he had sex with his man servant. A homosexual invert, he showed a decided preference for mature, sturdy men. It is said that when Icelus, one of his trusty bed-fellows, brought the news of Nero's death, Galba showered him with kisses and begged him to undress without delay; whereupon intimacy took place. [2]
| Preceded by Nero Galba Otho Vitellius |
Emperor of Rome AD69 |
Succeeded by Galba Otho Vitellius Vaspasian |
