Otho

Otho, born on April twenty-eighth in the year thirty-two, emerged from a noble Etruscan lineage. Initially, he served as a close friend and courtier to the infamous Emperor Nero. However, his fortunes took a turn when he was exiled to govern the distant province of Lusitania in fifty-eight, following the scandalous affair between his wife, Poppaea Sabina, and Nero.

During his time in Lusitania, Otho displayed a moderate approach to governance. His political acumen led him to ally with Galba, the governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, amidst the tumultuous revolts of sixty-eight. This alliance proved pivotal as Otho joined Galba in his march towards Rome, but soon turned against him, orchestrating Galba's assassination at the dawn of the following year.

As emperor, Otho faced immediate challenges, notably the rebellion led by Vitellius, the commander of the army in Germania Inferior. He mustered a significant force to confront Vitellius' troops at the Battle of Bedriacum. The conflict was fierce, resulting in a staggering forty thousand casualties. Ultimately, Otho's forces retreated, and rather than prolong the struggle, he chose to end his life on April sixteenth, sixty-nine, paving the way for Vitellius to ascend as emperor.