How long did Galba rule as Roman emperor?
Galba ruled as Roman emperor for seven months, from the 8th of June AD 68 to the 15th of January AD 69. He was the first of the four emperors in the Year of the Four Emperors.
Questions about Galba
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Galba become Roman emperor?
Galba became emperor after Nero's suicide in AD 68. He had joined a rebellion against Nero, and on the night of the 8th of June 68, an imperial official named Nymphidius Sabinus falsely announced to the Praetorian Guard that Nero had fled to Egypt, prompting the Senate to proclaim Galba emperor.
Why was Galba assassinated?
Galba was assassinated on the 15th of January AD 69 because he had failed to pay the Praetorian Guard their promised donative, purged officers, and demoted soldiers. Otho, angered at being passed over as Galba's successor in favor of Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus, organized the conspiracy that killed him.
What was Galba's reputation as a ruler?
Galba was known for extreme frugality, cruelty, and being dominated by three favorites: the general Titus Vinius, the praetorian prefect Cornelius Laco, and the freedman Icelus. Tacitus wrote that he seemed equal to the imperial office but was undone once he actually held it.
What happened to Galba's body after his assassination?
Galba's body was recovered by Priscus Helvidius with Otho's permission. His steward Argivus carried both the head and body to a tomb in Galba's private gardens on the Aurelian Way. His head had been bought for 100 gold pieces by a freedman who first threw it at Sessorium.
What offices did Galba hold before becoming emperor?
Galba served as praetor around AD 30, consul in 33, governor of Aquitania, governor of Germania Superior, governor of Africa around 44 or 45, and governor of Hispania from around 59 or 60. He held these positions across the reigns of Caligula, Claudius, and Nero.