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Otho: Regret The Four Emperors Series Iii

Ralph Turner

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Published in Otho S Regret: The Four Emperors Series: III

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Otho, the second emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors, was a man of contradictions. A wealthy and cultured aristocrat, he was also a ruthless and ambitious politician. His reign was marked by both extravagance and incompetence, and his death was a tragic consequence of his own ambition.

Otho s Regret: The Four Emperors Series: III

Otho's Regret: The Four Emperors Series: Book III

by L. J. Trafford

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	886 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
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Print length	:	480 pages

Early Life and Career

Otho was born on April 28, 32 AD, in Ferentium, Etruria. His father was Lucius Otho, a Roman senator, and his mother was Albia Terentia. Otho's family was wealthy and well-connected, and he received a privileged education. He studied rhetoric and philosophy, and he became a patron of the arts.

Otho began his political career as a military tribune. He served in the Praetorian Guard, and he later commanded a legion in Pannonia. In 58 AD, he was elected consul. Otho's political career was successful, but he was also known for his extravagance and debauchery.

The Year of the Four Emperors

In 68 AD, Emperor Nero committed suicide after a failed revolt. The Roman Empire was plunged into chaos, and four generals declared themselves emperor: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian. Galba was the first to arrive in Rome, and he was recognized as emperor by the Senate. However, Galba was unpopular with the people and the army, and he was assassinated in January 69 AD.

After Galba's death, Otho bribed the Praetorian Guard to declare him emperor. He was recognized by the Senate, but his reign was short-lived. Vitellius, the governor of Germania Inferior, marched on Rome with his army. Otho met Vitellius's forces at the Battle of Bedriacum on April 14, 69 AD. Otho's army was defeated, and he committed suicide rather than face capture.

Otho's Legacy

Otho's reign was marked by both extravagance and incompetence. He spent lavishly on public works and games, and he increased the pay of the Praetorian Guard. However, he also made several political mistakes. He alienated the Senate by appointing his friends and supporters to key positions, and he failed to secure the loyalty of the army.

Otho's death was a tragic consequence of his own ambition. He had a legitimate claim to the throne, but he lacked the political skills and military experience to succeed. His reign was a brief and bloody episode in Roman history, but it is a reminder of the dangers of ambition and the importance of political stability.