AD 69 – On this Day
Otho became emperor of Rome on this day, the second emperor of the four that disputed control of Rome in the year of four emperors that proved the importance of the legions in the provinces.
Otho had accompanied Galba to Rome and supported his claim. Otho was not popular and had been tarnished by his close association to the extravagant and unpopular Nero, which could be why Galba chose to adopt Piso. Otho was clearly disaffected by Galba choice. Otho bribed the praetorian guard and overthrew Galba.
Unfortunately for him, Otho managed to rule only for a short 3 months before killing himself, the poet Martial credits Otho for this one act even if he considered Otho unworthy of praise for any other.
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