VIII. Vitellius
Emperor: 69 AD
Born: September 24th 15 AD Died: December 22nd 69 AD
Vitellius was Roman Emperor for eight months, from April to December 69 AD. Vitellius was proclaimed emperor following the quick succession of the previous emperors Galba and Otho, in a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors.
At the end of 68, Galba selected him to command the army of Germania Inferior, and here Vitellius made himself popular with his troops by his outrageous spending and excessive good nature, which soon proved fatal to order and discipline when they proclaimed him emperor instead of renewing their vows of allegiance to Emperor Galba. He advanced into Italy at the head of a licentious and rough soldiery, and Rome became the scene of riot and massacre, gladiatorial shows, and extravagant feasting. To reward his victorious legionaries, Vitellius disbanded the existing Praetorian Guard and installed his own men instead.
His claim to the throne was soon challenged by legions stationed in the eastern provinces, who proclaimed their commander, Vespasian, emperor instead in July 69. War ensued, leading to a crushing defeat for Vitellius at the Second Battle of Bedriacum in northern Italy. Vitellius, deserted by many of his adherents, tried to resign from the office of emperor. The terms of resignation had actually been agreed upon with one of Vespasian’s chief supporters, but the praetorians refused to allow him to carry out the agreement. On the entrance of Vespasian's troops into Rome on December 22nd 69, he was dragged out of a hiding-place, driven to the fatal Gemonian stairs, and there struck down. Vitellius was beheaded and his head was paraded around Rome. His brother and son were also killed.