# Otho

> seventh Roman Emperor (69)

**Wikidata**: [Q1416](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1416)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Otho)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/otho

## Summary
Otho, born Marcus Salvius Otho, was the seventh Roman Emperor, reigning for a brief period in 69 CE during the chaotic "Year of the Four Emperors." He was a Roman statesman and military figure who rose to power through political maneuvering and briefly held imperial authority before his defeat and suicide.

## Biography
- Born: April 28, 32 CE
- Nationality: Ancient Rome
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Brief reign as Roman Emperor in 69 CE
- Employer(s): Roman Empire
- Field(s): Politics, Military

## Contributions
Otho is primarily known for his short-lived rule as Roman Emperor in 69 CE. He became emperor after being declared by the Senate following the suicide of Emperor Galba. His reign lasted only three months, ending in his defeat by Vitellius at the Battle of Bedriacum, after which he committed suicide. Though his rule was brief, it marked a pivotal moment in the political instability of the Roman Empire during the Year of the Four Emperors.

## FAQs
### Who was Otho?
Otho was a Roman statesman and military leader who became the seventh Roman Emperor in 69 CE. He ruled for only a few months before his defeat and death.

### What is Otho known for?
Otho is known for his brief reign as Roman Emperor during the Year of the Four Emperors, a period of civil war and political upheaval in the Roman Empire.

### How did Otho become emperor?
Otho became emperor after being declared by the Roman Senate in January 69 CE, following the assassination of Emperor Galba, whom he had conspired against.

### How did Otho die?
Otho died by suicide in April 69 CE after being defeated by the forces of Vitellius at the Battle of Bedriacum. He chose to end his life rather than prolong the civil war.

### What was Otho's full name?
His full name was Marcus Salvius Otho, though he was also referred to as Marcus Otho Caesar Augustus.

## Why They Matter
Otho's brief reign was part of a critical period in Roman history known as the Year of the Four Emperors (69 CE), which saw rapid succession of emperors and widespread civil conflict. His actions, including his rise to power and eventual suicide, highlighted the instability of imperial succession and the vulnerability of the Roman state during times of military and political crisis. His death effectively ended the immediate threat of further civil war and allowed Vespasian to eventually stabilize the empire.

## Notable For
- Brief reign as the seventh Roman Emperor in 69 CE
- Participation in the political machinations that led to Galba's assassination
- Choosing suicide over continued civil war after military defeat
- Being part of the tumultuous Year of the Four Emperors
- Influencing the eventual rise of Vespasian as emperor

## Body
### Early Life
Otho was born Marcus Salvius Otho on April 28, 32 CE. He came from a noble Roman family and was well-connected politically. His early life was marked by his association with Emperor Nero, under whom he served in various capacities. He was known for his charm and political acumen, which helped him rise through the ranks of Roman society.

### Rise to Power
Otho's ascent to the imperial throne was orchestrated through political intrigue. In 69 CE, he conspired with the Praetorian Guard to assassinate Emperor Galba, who had become increasingly unpopular. After Galba's death, Otho was declared emperor by the Senate, taking the name Marcus Otho Caesar Augustus.

### Reign and Rule
Otho's reign lasted only from January to April 69 CE. During this time, he attempted to consolidate power and gain support from both the military and the Senate. However, his rule was immediately challenged by Vitellius, who had been declared emperor by Germanic legions. The conflict culminated in the Battle of Bedriacum, where Otho's forces were defeated.

### Death and Legacy
Rather than prolong the civil war and risk further bloodshed, Otho chose to commit suicide on April 16, 69 CE, after only three months as emperor. His death was seen as an act of selflessness and honor, and it effectively ended the immediate threat of continued conflict. This allowed Vespasian, who emerged as the final victor of the Year of the Four Emperors, to stabilize the empire.

### Historical Context
Otho's brief rule is emblematic of the political instability that characterized the Roman Empire during the first century CE. His life and death illustrate the volatile nature of imperial succession and the role of the military in determining political outcomes. Despite his short time in power, Otho's actions had lasting implications for the trajectory of the Roman Empire.

## References

1. [De Imperatoribus Romanis](http://www.roman-emperors.org/otho.htm)
2. Spanish Biographical Dictionary
3. Sandrart.net
4. International Standard Name Identifier
5. Salvii
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. Quora
10. Enciclopedia Treccani
11. LIBRIS. 2007
12. Dizionario di Storia
13. Golden
14. Catalogo of the National Library of India