Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus is appointed by Galba as deputy Roman Emperor.

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus: A Brief but Pivotal Figure in Roman Imperial Succession

Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus (c. 38 CE – January 15, 69 CE) was a distinguished Roman nobleman whose brief but tragic involvement in imperial politics profoundly marked the tumultuous transition of power in the 1st century CE. Born into a prominent Roman family, his life intersected with one of Rome's most chaotic periods, the Year of Four Emperors, ultimately leading to his demise alongside Emperor Galba, his adoptive father and designated heir.

Noble Lineage and Early Life

Born around 38 CE, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus belonged to one of the most ancient and respected senatorial families in Rome, the Calpurnii Pisones. His full name suggests a complex lineage, likely indicating his birth into the plebeian gens Licinia and subsequent adoption into the patrician gens Calpurnia. This practice of adoption was common among the Roman elite, often used to secure political alliances, continue a family name, or inherit property. While specific details of Piso Licinianus's early career are scarce, his noble birth ensured he was educated and prepared for a life of public service within the Roman aristocracy, a path that typically included military commands and various magistracies before ascending to senatorial rank. His reputation was one of traditional Roman virtue, austerity, and uprightness, qualities that would later appeal to Emperor Galba.

The Adoption by Emperor Galba: A Bid for Stability

The year 69 CE, notoriously known as the "Year of Four Emperors," began with extreme political instability following the suicide of Emperor Nero in June 68 CE. Galba, the elderly governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, had been proclaimed emperor by his legions and recognized by the Senate. However, his brief reign (June 68 CE – January 69 CE) was plagued by unpopularity, particularly among the Praetorian Guard and the legions, due to his perceived stinginess and harsh discipline. Lacking a natural heir and facing mounting pressure to stabilize the imperial succession, Galba made the pivotal decision to adopt an heir. On January 10, 69 CE, in a public ceremony before the Praetorian Guard and the Roman Senate, Galba formally adopted Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus, declaring him his successor to the Roman throne. This choice, as recorded by the historian Tacitus in his Histories, was based on Piso's noble birth, unblemished character, and his distance from any particular military or political faction. Galba hoped that Piso's traditional Roman virtues would lend legitimacy and stability to his precarious rule. Ironically, the adoption, intended to secure his reign, may have instead hastened his downfall by alienating other potential claimants and ambitious figures like Otho, who had previously hoped to be adopted.

Tragic End Amidst the Year of Four Emperors

The strategic adoption of Piso Licinianus failed to achieve its intended effect of stabilizing Galba's reign. Just five days after his adoption, on January 15, 69 CE, both Galba and his newly designated heir met a violent end. The Praetorian Guard, swayed by promises of wealth and prestige from Marcus Salvius Otho (a former companion of Nero and a disappointed aspirant to the adoption), revolted against Galba. Galba was ambushed and brutally assassinated in the Roman Forum by the Praetorians, his head severed and paraded through the city. Simultaneously, Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus, who had attempted to seek refuge first in the Temple of Vesta and then the Public Temple, was hunted down by Otho's soldiers, specifically a centurion named Camurius of the XV legion. He was killed near the Temple of Vesta, his severed head also brought to Otho as a testament to the new order. His death on the same day as Galba underscored the brutal and immediate consequences of the imperial power struggle during the Year of Four Emperors, a period where four different emperors (Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and eventually Vespasian) rose and fell within a single calendar year.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus

Who was Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus?
Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus was a Roman nobleman of the 1st century CE (c. 38 – January 15, 69 CE) who gained historical significance due to his adoption by Emperor Galba as his heir, just five days before both were assassinated during the tumultuous "Year of Four Emperors."
Why was Piso Licinianus adopted by Emperor Galba?
Emperor Galba, an aging ruler without natural heirs, adopted Piso Licinianus on January 10, 69 CE, to stabilize his precarious reign and ensure a legitimate succession. Piso was chosen for his prestigious noble lineage, perceived traditional Roman virtues (integrity, austerity), and his lack of strong ties to any particular military or political faction, making him appear a neutral and respectable choice.
What was the "Year of Four Emperors"?
The "Year of Four Emperors" refers to the chaotic civil war period in the Roman Empire during 69 CE, immediately following the death of Emperor Nero. During this single year, four different individuals claimed the imperial throne: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and finally Vespasian, whose victory ultimately established the Flavian Dynasty and brought stability back to the empire.
How did Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus die?
Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus was assassinated on January 15, 69 CE, in Rome. He was hunted down and killed by soldiers loyal to Otho, who had instigated a revolt by the Praetorian Guard against Galba. His death occurred on the very same day that his adoptive father, Emperor Galba, was also killed in the Roman Forum.