Plutarch's Lives, Volume 2 Chapter Summary & Analysis - Galba and Otho Summary

Galba and Otho Summary and Analysis

Galba was a wealthy Roman who served under the emperor Nero, and who became emperor after Nero's death. He was not a popular leader and soon a revolt arose among Roman soldiers in Germany, who declared their own emperor, Vitellius. Realizing his grip on the leadership was weak, Galba set about naming a successor, choosing Piso.

This angered one of Galba's supporters, Otho, who gained the support of the Praetorian soldiers and was declared emperor by them. Galba led forces to subdue the rebels, but was himself killed, offering his own neck when he was captured by Otho's cavalry.

Otho proceeded to Rome and took the title of emperor. Along with the office, he inherited the mutinous situation of the soldiers in Germany under Vitellius. Otho mustered a large force to combat the rebels. The battle waged back and forth, with some of Otho's forces suffering a defeat in a...
(read more)