Otho seizes power in Rome, proclaiming himself Emperor of Rome, but rules for only three months before committing suicide.

Marcus Salvius Otho, more commonly known simply as Otho, (born April 28, 32 CE – died April 16, 69 CE) held the Roman imperial throne for a brief but tumultuous three-month period, from January 15 to April 16 in the year 69 CE. His ascent marked him as the second emperor in what historians famously refer to as the "Year of the Four Emperors," a turbulent and pivotal year of civil war and rapid imperial succession following the death of Emperor Nero.

From Noble Lineage to Imperial Courtier

Born into an ancient and distinguished Etruscan noble family with deep roots in Roman society, Otho's early career saw him become a close confidant and stylish courtier to the young Emperor Nero. Their friendship was initially marked by shared revelry and indulgence, with Otho becoming a prominent figure within Nero's inner circle. However, this close association took an unexpected turn when Otho's remarkably beautiful and ambitious wife, Poppaea Sabina, captivated Nero's affections. The emperor's infatuation with Poppaea became a significant political complication.

To remove a perceived rival and clear the path for his own relationship with Poppaea, Nero orchestrated Otho's effective banishment in 58 CE. Otho was dispatched to govern the distant and strategically less significant province of Lusitania (modern-day Portugal and parts of western Spain). This posting, while ostensibly an administrative appointment, was widely understood as a polite form of exile from the imperial court in Rome.

A Competent Governor and Political Calculation

Surprisingly, Otho proved to be a competent and unexpectedly moderate governor during his decade in Lusitania. This period allowed him to rebuild his reputation away from the excesses of Nero's court. As the discontent with Nero's rule escalated across the Roman Empire in 68 CE, leading to widespread revolts, Otho saw a strategic opportunity. He formed a crucial alliance with Servius Sulpicius Galba, the aged and respected governor of the neighboring province of Hispania Tarraconensis, who had declared himself emperor.

Otho accompanied Galba on his march to Rome, lending his support and influence, particularly among segments of the military and the Praetorian Guard who had grown disaffected with Nero. Otho harbored ambitions of being adopted as Galba's successor, a common practice for emperors without natural heirs. However, Galba, known for his parsimony and rigid adherence to tradition, chose instead to adopt Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus as his heir. This decision, coupled with Galba's failure to reward the Praetorian Guard adequately, ignited Otho's simmering resentment and ambition.

Betrayal and the Seizure of Power

At the dawn of 69 CE, realizing his aspirations through legitimate means were thwarted, Otho orchestrated a swift and decisive coup. On January 15, 69 CE, with the crucial backing of the Praetorian Guard, who were disillusioned with Galba, Otho revolted against the sitting emperor. Galba, along with his newly adopted heir Piso, was brutally murdered in the Roman Forum, marking a violent and unprecedented start to the year. Otho was then immediately proclaimed emperor by the Praetorians, a testament to the immense power wielded by this elite military unit in the capital.

Inheriting Civil War: Otho vs. Vitellius

Otho's brief reign was immediately overshadowed by a formidable challenge: the ongoing rebellion of Aulus Vitellius, the commander of the powerful legions stationed in Germania Inferior. Vitellius had been proclaimed emperor by his Rhine legions even before Otho had seized Rome, setting the stage for an inevitable confrontation between the two rival claimants to the purple.

Otho, demonstrating considerable energy, personally led a sizeable force, comprising elements of the Praetorian Guard, legions from the Danube, and auxiliary troops, northward into Cisalpine Gaul (northern Italy) to confront Vitellius's advancing armies. The two forces clashed in what became known as the First Battle of Bedriacum, fought near the town of Cremona. The battle was fierce and exceptionally bloody, with initial estimates suggesting approximately 40,000 casualties on both sides, a horrific toll that underscored the brutal reality of Roman civil war. Despite moments of tactical success, Otho's forces suffered a decisive defeat and were compelled to retreat.

A Noble End to Avert Further Bloodshed

Faced with the prospect of prolonged civil war and further devastating losses for Rome, Otho made a profound and ultimately lauded decision. Rather than continue the fight, which he believed would only plunge the empire into deeper chaos and bloodshed, he chose to commit suicide on April 16, 69 CE. This act, carried out with remarkable stoicism, was widely seen as a noble and selfless sacrifice, earning him considerable posthumous respect from both contemporaries and later historians, including Tacitus, who contrasted it sharply with Nero's ignominious end. Otho's death cleared the way for Vitellius to be officially recognized as emperor by the Roman Senate, albeit for an even shorter period.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marcus Otho

Who was Marcus Otho?
Marcus Otho was a Roman emperor who reigned for a turbulent three months in 69 CE, a period known as the Year of the Four Emperors. He was a member of a noble Etruscan family and a former friend of Emperor Nero.
What was Otho's connection to Emperor Nero and Poppaea Sabina?
Otho was initially a close associate and courtier of Nero. His wife, Poppaea Sabina, became Nero's mistress and later his wife. Otho was subsequently sent to govern Lusitania, a move widely interpreted as Nero's way of removing him from the imperial court.
Why did Otho revolt against Galba?
Otho initially allied with Galba against Nero and expected to be adopted as Galba's successor. When Galba instead chose another heir, Lucius Calpurnius Piso, and failed to adequately reward the powerful Praetorian Guard, Otho seized the opportunity to launch a coup with the Guard's support.
What was the significance of the Battle of Bedriacum?
The First Battle of Bedriacum was a major military confrontation in northern Italy between Otho's forces and the legions of his rival, Vitellius. Otho's defeat in this bloody battle, which resulted in significant casualties, directly led to his decision to commit suicide and Vitellius's proclamation as emperor.
Why did Otho commit suicide?
Otho chose to commit suicide after his defeat at the First Battle of Bedriacum to prevent further bloodshed and civil war within the Roman Empire. His act was seen by many as a selfless and honorable decision to spare Rome from prolonged conflict, standing in stark contrast to the fate of his predecessor, Nero.