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Which Roman emperors ruled before Vespasian during the civil war of 69 CE?
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Vespasian
Bust of Vespasian, found at Ostia; in the Museo Nazionale Romano, Rome.
The period known as the "Year of the Four Emperors" (69 CE) followed the death of Nero and the collapse of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. The three Roman emperors who ruled before Vespasian during this tumultuous year were:12
- Galba: A former governor of Spain who was proclaimed emperor by the Senate after Nero’s suicide. His administration became unpopular due to his strict economic policies and refusal to pay the Praetorian Guard their promised donative.13
- Otho: Following the murder of Galba in the Roman Forum, Otho gained senatorial recognition. He ruled for only three months before committing suicide after being defeated by the forces of Vitellius at the Battle of Bedriacum.13
- Aulus Vitellius: Proclaimed emperor by the legions of the Rhine, he was recognized by the Senate after Otho’s death. His forces were eventually defeated by the armies supporting Vespasian, leading to his death and the subsequent rise of the Flavian dynasty.12