Otho

Marcus Salvius Otho had been a close companion of Nero and was sent as governor of Lusitania after Nero took his wife Poppaea. He supported Galba's rebellion in 68 CE expecting to be named heir, but when Galba chose another successor, Otho organized a coup with the Praetorian Guard and had Galba assassinated in January 69 CE. He ruled competently for three months but faced an immediate challenge from Vitellius, whose Rhine legions had already declared him emperor. After an initial Othonian success, his forces were decisively defeated at the First Battle of Bedriacum. Rather than continue the civil war, Otho committed suicide on April 16, 69 CE, an act that ancient sources universally praised as noble.

• Nationality: roman
• Roles: ruler