Emperor Otho of Rome
Marcus Salvius Otho was a Roman emperor who was the second in the succession of rulers in the Year of the four emperors. He ruled over the empire for only three months, beginning from January 15th, 69 AD until April 16th, AD.
Marcus Salvius Otho was descended from quite a distinguished familial lineage, belonging to an ancient family of Etruscan origin. His origins have been traced to the Etruscan princes who established settlements in Ferentinum in what is now known as Ferento, near Viterbo in Etruria.
While Marcus Salvius Otho's own paternal grandfather, who also had the same name, was of equally distinguished background, having been the son of a Roman knight, his grandmother was probably a slave by origin. Nevertheless Otho's grandfather came into prominence as a senator, although he would not advance past the position of praetor.
His accomplishments were probably due to the considerable influence of Livia in whose household he was raised. Marcus Salvius Otho's father was named Lucius Otho.
Marcus Salvius Otho first entered the public view as one of the most foolhardy and decadent member of Nero's circle of noblemen associates. While the two enjoyed a close friendship for quite some time, this was brought to an end when Otho introduced his wife, Poppea Sabina to the emperor.
The two began an affair that would cause the husband and wife to separate, although Sabina only began divorce proceedings against her husband when she felt secure in her status as Nero's mistress. She then prevailed upon the emperor to send her former husband to the province of Lusitania, which is now known as Portugal and Extremadura.
Otho remained in this state of semi-exile for a period of ten years during which time he earned the respect and admiration of the citizens of Lusitania for his just and even-handed rule, which was somewhat unusual for the time.
Marcus Salvius Otho's peaceful existence came to an end when in the year 68 AD, Galba, who was then the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, convinced Otho to join him in his revolt against the emperor. While it is highly likely that Nero's taking of Otho's wife may have played a large part in his decision to join in Galba's campaign, the truth was that Otho, driven by personal ambition, already had his own designs on the throne.
Galba at that time was already quite advanced in years and Otho hoped to be the one who was named as his successor. Unfortunately, Galba had already decided on Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus as his heir to the throne and made his intentions known in January of 69 AD.
Marcus Salvius Otho clearly had no other alternative and with a scant army comprised of merely twenty-three members of the Praetorian Guard, he was able to wrest control of the throne. In the ensuing skirmish, Galba along with his appointed heir Piso was murdered by the angry mob.
Otho was in power for only a short time before he was called into war against Vitellius, the commander of the legions on the lower Rhine. In the face of clear defeat, Otho took his own life on April 16th, 69 AD.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 15/05/2008
