Vitellius was Roman emperor from April to December 69 CE. Vitellius was the third of the four emperors who ruled the Roman Empire in the year 69 CE. One of his predecessors, Galba, who had replaced the fallen Emperor Nero, was murdered by the Praetorian Guard for failing to keep promises to those who had put him in power. Emperor Otho, Galba's successor, committed suicide before the imposing armies of Vitellius reached Rome. He had chosen to sacrifice his own life instead of those of his men. Vitellius, like the previous two occupants of the throne, would not remain in power long.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original definition at https://www.worldhistory.org/Vitellius/.
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- Why do you think the Roman armies supported Vitellius?
- Do you think Vitellius changed after he became emperor, and why?
- What does Vitellius's story show about power in ancient Rome?
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