The second of the three generals to claim the short-lived title of Roman emperor during the chaotic year of 69 AD following the death of Nero.
Otho was an Etruscan nobleman with a highly ambitious and equally libertine lifestye. A close associate of Emperor Nero, who once made a pact with the emperor, in which Nero would marry Otho's wife, Poppaea Sabina, and sleep with her until Nero could get rid of his own wife, Octavia. It then happened that Otho lately fell in love with Poppaea, whereupon Nero packed Otho off to govern Lusitania (modern Portugal).
When the Roman guards revolted against Nero (forcing him to kill himself) Jun 68, they also declared Galba successor. As Galba marched on Rome to claim his reward, Otho joined him, on the assumption that Galba would name him successor. In January 69, however, Galba named Piso to be his successor instead. In quick order, Otho rushed and plotted to protect his own interests; five days later he had managed to get the Praetorian Guard and other troops stationed in Rome to declare him emperor. When Galba panicked and set off across town to confront the rebels he was cut down by Otho's men, and Piso was quickly butchered. But already Vitellius's troops—having decided that their general was the better man to rule the empire—were on the march from Germany. The two sides met in battle outside Cremona. When Otho learned that his troops had been defeated, he committed suicide, have 'reigned' barely three months.
©ALBERITH
180519