Galba
Galba (/ˈɡælbə/, GAL-bə; born Servius Sulpicius Galba; 24 December 3 BC – 15 January AD 69) was Roman emperor, ruling from AD 68 to 69. He was the first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors and assumed the throne following Emperor Nero's suicide.
| Galba | |||||||||
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| Roman emperor | |||||||||
| Reign | 8 June 68 – 15 January 69 | ||||||||
| Predecessor | Nero | ||||||||
| Successor | Otho | ||||||||
| Born | 24 December 3 BC Near Terracina, Italy, Roman Empire | ||||||||
| Died | 15 January AD 69 (aged 71) Rome, Italy, Roman Empire | ||||||||
| Spouse | Aemilia Lepida | ||||||||
| Issue | Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus (adopted) | ||||||||
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| Father | Gaius Sulpicius Galba | ||||||||
| Mother | Mummia Achaica Livia Ocellina (adoptive) | ||||||||
| Roman imperial dynasties | ||
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| Year of the Four Emperors | ||
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Born into a wealthy family, Galba held at various times the positions of praetor, consul, and governor to the provinces of Gallia Aquitania, Germania Superior, and Africa during the first half of the first century AD. He retired from his positions during the latter part of Claudius' reign (with the advent of Agrippina the Younger), but Nero later granted him the governorship of Hispania. Taking advantage of the defeat of Vindex's rebellion and Nero's suicide, he became emperor with the support of the Praetorian Guard.
Galba's physical weakness and general apathy led to his rule being dominated by favorites. Unable to gain popularity with the people or maintain the support of the Praetorian Guard, Galba was murdered on the orders of Otho, who became emperor in his place.