Decline and fall Otho

otho



aureus of otho.

he accepted, or appeared accept, cognomen of nero conferred upon him shouts of populace, whom comparative youth , effeminacy of appearance reminded of lost favourite. nero s statues again set up, freedmen , household officers reinstalled (including young castrated boy sporus whom nero had taken in marriage , otho live intimately with), , intended completion of golden house announced.

at same time fears of more sober , respectable citizens allayed otho s liberal professions of intention govern equitably, , judicious clemency towards aulus marius celsus, consul-designate, devoted adherent of galba. otho realized easier overthrow emperor rule one: according suetonius otho once remarked playing long pipes hardly trade (i.e. undertaking beyond 1 s ability so).

war vitellius

otho robert van voerst after titian.

any further development of otho s policy checked once otho had read through galba s private correspondence , realized extent of revolution in germany, several legions had declared vitellius, commander of legions on lower rhine river, , advancing upon italy. after vain attempt conciliate vitellius offer of share in empire, otho, unexpected vigor, prepared war. more remote provinces, had acquiesced in accession, little expected; legions of dalmatia, pannonia , moesia eager in cause, praetorian cohorts in formidable force , efficient fleet gave him mastery of italian seas.

the fleet @ once dispatched secure liguria, , on 14 march otho, undismayed omens , prophecies, started northwards @ head of troops in hopes of preventing entry of vitellius troops italy. late, , done throw troops placentia , hold line of po. otho s advanced guard defended placentia against aulus caecina alienus, , compelled general fall on cremona. arrival of fabius valens altered aspect of affairs.

vitellius commanders resolved bring on decisive battle, battle of bedriacum, , designs assisted divided , irresolute counsels prevailed in otho s camp. more experienced officers urged importance of avoiding battle, until @ least legions dalmatia had arrived. rashness of emperor s brother titianus , of proculus, prefect of praetorian guards, added otho s feverish impatience, overruled opposition, , immediate advance decided upon.

otho himself remained behind considerable reserve force @ brixellum, on southern bank of po. when decision taken, otho s army had crossed po , encamped @ bedriacum (or betriacum), small village on via postumia, , on route legions dalmatia naturally arrive.

leaving strong detachment hold camp @ bedriacum, othonian forces advanced along via postumia in direction of cremona. @ short distance city unexpectedly encountered vitellian troops. othonians, though taken @ disadvantage, fought desperately, forced fall in disorder upon camp @ bedriacum. there on next day victorious vitellians followed them, come terms @ once disheartened enemy, , welcomed camp friends.

death

more unexpected still effect produced @ brixellum news of battle. otho still in command of formidable force: dalmatian legions had reached aquileia , spirit of soldiers , officers unbroken. resolved accept verdict of battle own impatience had hastened. in dignified speech bade farewell him, declaring: far more perish 1 all, many 1 , , retiring rest soundly hours. in morning stabbed himself in heart dagger, had concealed under pillow, , died attendants entered tent.

otho s ashes placed within modest monument. had reigned 3 months. funeral celebrated @ once, had wished. plain tomb erected in honour @ brixellum, simple inscription diis manibus marci othonis. 91-day reign shortest until of pertinax, reign lasted 86 days in 193 during tumultuous year of 5 emperors.