Rome

A history of Rome's succession crisis during the Year of the Four Emperors. The empire experienced four emperors, three civil wars, and widespread chaos.

When Servius Galba unexpectedly became emperor following Nero's death, he faced a crumbling empire and restless legions demanding payment. The Roman world teetered on the edge of chaos as ambitious nobles schemed for power while provinces grew increasingly restless. Galba's attempt to secure his succession through adoption led to his assassination by soldiers loyal to Otho, who seized the throne through a coup. The empire descended into further turmoil as Otho's brief reign was followed by a brutal civil war between his forces and those of Vitellius, who claimed the throne with German legions' support. The conflict, marked by betrayals, assassinations, and battles across the empire, would ultimately lead to Vespasian's rise to power.