Aulus Vitellius was Roman emperor for eight months, from 19 April to 20 December AD 69. 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. Vitellius was the first to add the honorific cognomen Germanicus to his name instead of Caesar upon his accession. Like his predecessor, Otho, Vitellius attempted to rally public support to his cause by honoring and imitating Nero who remained popular in the empire.
Marble bust of Vitellius, Bardo National Museum, Tunisia
Denarii of Vitellius, with a portrait of his father Lucius Vitellius (top) and his son and daughter (bottom).
Vitellius dragged through the streets of Rome, Georges Rochegrosse (1883)
Denarius of Vitellius, with the goddess Victory erecting a trophy on the reverse, alluding to the incoming confrontation with Vespasian.
Otho was Roman emperor, ruling for three months from 15 January to 16 April 69. He was the second emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors.
Detail of a statue of Otho at the Louvre
Bust labelled as Otho in the National Archaeological Museum, Florence.
Aureus of Otho. Legend: imp m otho caes aug tr p
