Galba (by Samuele Rocca)
- This page is edited by Samuele Rocca, Israel
- ANCIENT SOURCES: see Galba (sources)
- SCHOLARLY AND FICTIONAL WORKS: see Category: Galba (subject)
Servius Sulpicius Galba (24 BCE – 69 CE) was the first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors.
Overview
Galba, born in an Italic family which belongs to the Senatorial order, governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, succeeded to Nero to the imperial throne during the Year of the Four Emperors between 68 CE and 69 CE.
Early Career
Servius Sulpicius Galba was born near Terracina in 24 BCE. His family, which belonged to the Senatorial order, was noble and rich; however they were unconnected either by birth or by adoption with the Iulio-Claudian family. His cursus honorum shows his remarkable abilities. Galba became praetor in 20 CE, and consul in 33 CE. During his career he was seconded in positions of command to Gaul, Germania, Africa and Spain. There he earned a good reputation for his military capability, strictness and impartiality. He served loyally under the rule of Tiberius, Caius Caesar and Claudius. For the first half of Nero's reign he lived in retirement, however in 61 CE, the emperor bestowed on him the province of Hispania Tarraconensis.
Imperial Succession
In 68 CE Iulius Vindex, governor of Gallia Lugdunensis, who had rebelled to Imperial rule, declared his allegiance to Galba. When the latter learned that Nero wanted to execute him, he decided to follow in the steps of Vindex. However once Iulius Vindex was defeated and killed by the commander of the Germania Superior army, Lucius Verginius Rufus, in a battle near Vesontio, Galba relented. Once more Galba decided to bid for the imperial throne when Nymphidius Sabinus, the praetorian prefect, declared for him. After Nero’ suicide, Galba assumed the title of Caesar and marched to Rome. Galba tried to restore the imperial finances, put so much under strain during Nero’s last years of rule. He took various unpopular measures. Probably his refusal to pay to the praetorians the reward promised in his name, cost him the throne. At the very beginning of 69 CE, the legions posted in Germania Superior refused to swear loyalty to Galba. Soon afterwards the army stationed in Germania Inferior followed their examples, and proclaimed Vitellius, the governor of the province, as emperor. Galba, once informed of the rebellion in Germany, decided to adopt as successor L. Calpurnius Piso. However Otho, once governor of Lusitania, was proclaimed Emperor by the praetorians, discontented for the denial of donatives by Galba. Galba was soon afterwards murdered, and Piso followed his fate shortly afterwards.