Galba

Servius Sulpicius Galba (December 24, 3 BC - January 15, AD 69) was Roman Emperor from June AD 68 until his death. He was the first emperor of the Year of the four emperors.

Origins and rise to power

He was born near Tarragona. He came of a noble family and was a man of great wealth, but unconnected either by birth or by adoption with the first six Caesars. In his early years he was regarded as a youth of remarkable abilities, and it is said that both Augustus and Tiberius prophesied his future eminence (Tacitus, Annals, vi. 20; Suet. Galba, 4).

Related Topics:
Tarragona - Augustus - Tiberius - Tacitus - Annals

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Praetor in 20, and consul in 33, he acquired a well-merited reputation in the provinces of Gaul, Germania, Africa and Spain by his military capability, strictness and impartiality. On the death of Caligula, he refused the invitation of his friends to make a bid for empire, and loyally served Claudius. For the first half of Nero's reign he lived in retirement, till, in 61, the emperor bestowed on him the province of Hispania Tarraconensis.

Related Topics:
Praetor - 20 - Consul - 33 - Gaul - Germania - Africa - Spain - Caligula - Claudius - Nero - 61 - Hispania Tarraconensis

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In the spring of 68, Galba was informed of Nero's intention to put him to death, and of the insurrection of Julius Vindex in Gaul. He was at first inclined to follow the example of Vindex, but the defeat and death of the latter renewed his hesitation. The news that Nymphidius Sabinus, the praefect of the praetorians, had declared in his favour revived Galba's spirits. Hitherto, he had only dared to call himself the legate of the senate and Roman people; after the murder of Nero, he assumed the title of Caesar, and marched straight for Rome.

Related Topics:
Julius Vindex - Nymphidius Sabinus - Praefect - Praetorians - Legate - Senate - Caesar - Rome

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Following the death of Nero, Nymphidius Sabinus sought to seize power prior to the arrival of Galba, but he could not win the loyalty of the Praetorian guard and was killed. Upon Galba's approach to the city in October, he was met by soldiers presenting demands; Galba replied with violence, killing many of them.

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