Lucius Vitellius 

Lucius Vitellius

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Early Years of Lucius Vitellius 

Lucius Vitellius, the son of a powerful senator, was born in AD 15. He got all the privileges that an affluent consular’s son should have. He was raised with an insatiable appetite for food and a gambling addiction. This resulted in a tremendously huge physique and appearance. When he became older and started acting as his own Consul. Most importantly, he partially cleaned up his behavior. Vitellius even succeeded in gaining some respect. Regrettably, he would develop terrible habits once again in his later years.

Progressing Despite Oneself

Young Vitellius succeeded in getting appointed as the governor of Germania by Emperor Galba. Galba initially thought it would be a sure thing and didn’t anticipate any issues with his appointment. Vitellius appeared to be advancing in spite of himself. Galba had no idea that Vitellius was really after bigger things and would eventually usurp him as king. Early in 69 AD, Vitellius attained the position of Emperor of Cologne. His laziness included paying his troops huge bonuses and enforcing lax discipline. By doing this, Vitellius was able to gain the support of more legions and expand his dominance throughout Raetia, Britain, and Gaul. His men were able to get drunk and have fun most of the time because there was no structure.

How Lucius Vitellius went on to rule Rome

Vitellius became the new emperor in 69 AD, the Year of the Four Emperors. His men proclaimed him emperor while he served as governor of one of Rome’s western provinces. Initially, Vitellius dispatched his forces to the city to put down an uprising. Second, his troops invaded Rome and overthrew the previous emperor, Otho. Sadly, Otho was only in charge for a brief three months. Indulgent spending and moral degradation during Vitellius’ time as emperor of Rome made him unpopular with the populace and the soldiers. After barely a few months in power, the eastern legions declared their leader, Vespasian, to be the new emperor, challenging him.

Lucius Vitellius’ Quick Dethroning 

It is unclear why the eastern legions rose up, although it is generally accepted that their opposition to Vitellius’ leadership and their support for Vespasian’s popularity and military prowess were the main causes. Vitellius’ army was weakened by the emperor’s excess and poor leadership. He had no chance against Vespasian’s army because of their superior discipline, equipment, and organization. Vespasian’s forces swiftly and effectively routed Vitellius’ army, and the emperor was taken prisoner and put to death. Vitellius’ lack of backing from the populace and the Senate also contributed to his downfall. Consequently, they both turned against him after realizing he was unqualified to be in power.

The Roman Empire’s shortest reigning Emperor

Even less time passed during Vitellius’ rule than during Otho’s. In actuality, Vitellius’ reign would go down in history as the Roman Empire’s shortest reigning emperor. The Year of the Four Emperors came to an end under the unpopular and brief tenure of Vitellius. It ultimately prepared the path for Vespasian’s Flavian dynasty to be created. In conclusion, Lucius Vitellius’ fast deposition was brought on by his poor leadership, lavish lifestyle, and unpopularity. In other words, he was despised by both the populace and the military. This made it possible for Vespasian’s more well-mannered and well-liked army to defeat him and establish a new dynasty.

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