Galba

Galba
Gold aureus of Galba. Legend: imp(erator) ser(vius) galba aug(ustus)
Roman emperor
Reign	8 June 68 – 15 January 69
Predecessor	Nero
Successor	Otho
Born	24 December 3 BC Near Terracina, Italy, Roman Empire
Died	15 January AD 69 (aged 70) Rome, Italy, Roman Empire
Spouse	Aemilia Lepida
Issue	Lucius Calpurnius Piso Frugi Licinianus (adopted)
Names Servius Sulpicius Galba Lucius Livius Ocella Sulpicius Galba[1] Regnal name Imperator Servius Galba Caesar Augustus[2]
Father	Gaius Sulpicius Galba
Mother	Mummia Achaica Livia Ocellina (adoptive)

Galba (/ˈɡælbə/, GAL-bə; born Servius Sulpicius Galba; 24 December 3 BC – 15 January AD 69) was Roman emperor, ruling from AD 68 to 69. He was the first emperor in the Year of the Four Emperors and assumed the throne following Emperor Nero's suicide.

Born into a wealthy family, Galba held at various times the positions of praetor, consul, and governor to the provinces of Gallia Aquitania, Germania Superior, and Africa during the first half of the first century AD. He retired from his positions during the latter part of Claudius' reign (with the advent of Agrippina the Younger), but Nero later granted him the governorship of Hispania. Taking advantage of the defeat of Vindex's rebellion and Nero's suicide, he became emperor with the support of the Praetorian Guard.

Galba's physical weakness and general apathy led to his rule being dominated by favorites. Unable to gain popularity with the people or maintain the support of the Praetorian Guard, Galba was murdered on the orders of Otho, who became emperor in his place.