Published: 2022-11-26

The Decisive Role of the Roman Army in Winning Imperial Power in the Empire in the Years 68-70 AD

Magdalena Szeląg
Seminare. Learned Investigations
Section: History
https://doi.org/10.21852/sem.2017.2.11

Abstract

The year 69 AD named in historiography as a year of the four emperors was a turning point in the ancient history of Rome. It was the army which decided who ascended to the throne and which supported the emperor. The army played an important role in shaping the Empire’s policy. Galba received the power of an Emperor from the legions but was also deprived of that power by them. Otho was a prefect of praetorians and took over the reign with their support. However, soon after that the army, which was in Germany, handed over the throne to Vitellius. He was the emperor of two battles, the one of Bedriacum in which he defeated the legions supporting Otho and that battle between with Vespasian which ended his reign. Vespasian established a new imperial dynasty, which rebuilt the Empire ruined by civil war.

Keywords:

Roman army, praetorians, rebellion of Vindex, the year of the four emperors, Flavians

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Szeląg, M. (2022). The Decisive Role of the Roman Army in Winning Imperial Power in the Empire in the Years 68-70 AD. Seminare. Learned Investigations, 38(2), 139–149. https://doi.org/10.21852/sem.2017.2.11

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