War with Vitellius Otho

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.