Vitellius, Aulus (15-69)

Roman emperor whose brief reign (April-December AD 69) marked the end of a year of civil war that saw no fewer than four emperors on the throne. Vitellius was the third of these; after his demise, Vespasian restored stability. Like his two predecessors, he had been a confederate of Nero, and had a reputation for depravity and gluttony.

Vitellius succeeded Marcus Salvius Otho, who in turn had overthrown Servius Sulpicius Galba. In 68, Galba appointed him army commander of Lower Germany, although he had no military talent. When Galba fell, Vitellius' troops in Cologne proclaimed him emperor. His generals, Valens and Caecina, invaded Italy, defeated Otho's forces at Betriacum, and secured the throne for their master. In July, Vespasian was named emperor at Alexandria; Caecina was defeated by his general Antonius Primus, who marched on Rome and put Vitellius to death.