Emperors of Rome

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Bust of Vitellius
Pseudo-bust of Emperor Vitellius, Louvre
Name
Vitellius
Dynasty
Year of the Four Emperors
Born
24 September 15
Rome, Italia
Died
22 December 69
Rome, Italia
Reign
16 April 69 to 22 December 69
(8 months and 6 days)
Links

Vitellius (/vɪˈtɛliəs/; Latin: Aulus Vitellius Germanicus Augustus;[a] 24 September 15 – 22 December 69 AD)[1] was Roman Emperor for eight months, from 16 April to 22 December 69 AD. Vitellius was proclaimed emperor following the quick succession of the previous emperors Galba and Otho, in a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Vitellius was the first to add the honorific cognomen Germanicus to his name instead of Caesar upon his accession. Like his direct predecessor, Otho, Vitellius attempted to rally public support to his cause by honoring and imitating Nero who remained widely popular in the empire.

His claim to the throne was soon challenged by legions stationed in the eastern provinces, who proclaimed their commander Vespasian emperor instead. War ensued, leading to a crushing defeat for Vitellius at the Second Battle of Bedriacum in northern Italy. Once he realised his support was wavering, Vitellius prepared to abdicate in favor of Vespasian. He was not allowed to do so by his supporters, resulting in a brutal battle for Rome between Vitellius' forces and the armies of Vespasian. He was executed in Rome by Vespasian's soldiers on 22 December 69.