Chapter 9, Vitellius Summary and Analysis

Publius Vitellius is a knight and steward to Augustus and the grandfather of Aulus Vitellius the emperor. Vitellius is born on Septermber 7, AD 14. He spends his childhood as one of Tiberius' male prostitutes and is said to have secured his father's first advancement to public office by giving up his chastity. He grows up among all the previous Caesars and is admired by many of them for his chariot driving, his skills in playing dice, and is indebted to Nero for a service that goes unmentioned. His popularity with the emperors wins him public offices and important priesthoods. He is Governor of Africa and curator of Public Works as well.

The population has a good opinion of him since he greets everyone, including private soldiers with hugs. Less than a month after Galba's death, he is named emperor by...