Year of the Four Emperors

• The Year of the Four Emperors was a period of civil war during 69 CE, caused by the death of Nero in 68 CE.

The Reason for the Civil War

• When Nero committed suicide in 68 CE it collapsed the Julio-Claudian Dynasty.
• This led to the Civil War breaking out in 69 CE between the four contenders for the Imperial Title.

Galba

• In the aftermath of Nero‘s suicide, Galba seized power with the support of his Spanish Legion, the Legio VII Gemina Felix.

Otho

• Otho used the Praetorian Guard to assassinate Galba making himself Emperor.

Vitellius

• Vitellius commanded the Rhine Legions and removed Otho when he arrived in Rome.

Vespasian

• Vespasian commanded the Legions in the East. When Vitellius was pronounced Emperor, his Legions declared Vespasian Emperor. He planned to combine the eastern armies and converge on Rome.
• Vespasian first proceeded to conquer Egypt.
• Then, in an alliance with Mucianus, the Governor of Syria and Primus, the Commander of the Legions in Pannonia, they converged on Rome and executed Vitellius.

The Outcome

• The Roman Senate declared Vespasian Emperor and Vespasian began the Flavian dynasty.

Sources

• Tacitus Histories