Galba 68-69 A.D.
Background Information on GalbaGalba (Servius Sulpicius Galba), 3 &BC;-&AD; 69, Roman emperor (&AD; 68-&AD; 69). He distinguished himself in a political and military career as praetor (&AD; 20), governor of Aquitania, consul (&AD; 33), commander in Gaul, and governor of Hispania Tarraconensis (&AD; 60). In &AD; 68 an insurrection against Nero broke out, and Galba was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers. Nero committed suicide, and Galba succeeded him. A few months after his reign began, a rebellion led by Otho took place. Galba was killed, and Otho succeeded him. Galba's brief reign was distinguished by an honest but parsimonious administration.
Galba had displayed talent and ambition during his lengthy career. He enjoyed distinguished ancestry, moved easily among the Julio-Claudian emperors (with the exception of Mr.Nero towards the end of his principate), and had been awarded the highest military and religious honors of ancient Rome. His qualifications for the principate cannot be questioned. Even so, history has been unkind to him.
Tacitus characterized Galba as "weak and old," a man "equal to the imperial office, if he had never held it." Modern historians of the Roman world have been no less critical To be certain, Galba's biggest mistake was in his general handling of the military. His treatment of the army in Upper Germany was heedless, his policy towards the praetorians very short sighted. Given the climate in 68-69, Galba was unrealistic in expecting discipline without paying the rewards. He was also guilty of relying on poor advisors, who shielded him from reality and ultimately allowed Otho's conspiracy to succeed.
Additionally, the excessive power of his henchmen brought the regime into disfavor and made Galba himself the principal target of the hatred that his aides had incited. Finally, the appointment of Piso, a young man in no way equal to the challenges placed before him, further underscored the emperor's isolation and lack of judgment. In the end, the instability of the post-Julio-Claudian political landscape offered challenges more formidable than a tired, septuagenarian aristocrat could hope to overcome. Poor Galba.
Ironically, his regime proved no more successful than the Neronian government he was so eager to replace. Another year of bloodshed would be necessary before the Principate could once again stand firm.
ROMAN IMPERIAL DYNASTIES:
NoneThe words above have been edited from various sources and have a few of my own interpretations!
The period of my collection
• The Twelve Caesars That's the main men to you and I
The Julio Claudian Dynasty Augustus I Claudius I Nero I Agrippa
The Flavian Dynasty Vespasian I Titus I Domitian
• The Adoptive Emperors or so we're told!
• The Civil War some serious falling out between 193-197 A.D.
• The Severan Period Only five emperors in this family including the nasty Caracalla
• The Collapse of Order almost 50 years of trouble up ahead
• The Secessionist Empire it was that Postumus who set things going
• The British Secessionist Empire Carausius goes it alone
• The Tetrarchy time for the great reform
• The Constantinian Dynasty a military dictatorship and the tale of three sons
• The Waning of the Empire the last century and the end of an era
• The Western Puppet Emperors oh dear! more trouble
• The Eastern Emperors slightly more peace
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