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About Vitellius
Aulus Vitellius was a mid-1st century AD Roman politician, consul, and emperor. He was emperor for almost a year, from April 19 to December 20, 69 AD.
Birth and Personal Life
Vitellius was the son of Lucius Vitellius Veteris and Sextilia. His father, Lucius Vitellius, was consul of Rome on three occasions.
He first married Petronia in 40 AD, and had a son, Aulus Vitelius Petronianus with her. He married a second time around 50 AD, to Galeria and had two children with her.
Political and Military Life
Prior to becoming Roman Emperor, he was a consul in 48 AD, and then a proconsul of Africa around 61 AD.
Emperor Galba appointed him commander of Germania Inferior and Superior in 68 AD.
Ascension to Emperorship
Vitellius was made emperor after the succession of Emperor Galba and Emperor Otho in a period historians like to term as the Year of Four Emperors.
He was the first to waive the use of "Caesar" to his name and instead applied "Germanicus". Commanders Caecina and Fabius helped him into power, revolting against Emperor Galba.
As emperor, he abolished the sale of furlongs by centurions. He built more offices for the imperial administration which enabled the Equites (a class in ancient Rome below the senatorial class) to be employed in the Imperial Civil Service.
He banned astrologers from Rome and Italy, executing any of them that he found after an anonymous published decree by some of them (astrologers).
Defeat and Execution
His reign was disputed by the supporters of Commander Vespasian, who had also been proclaimed emperor. In the Second Battle of Bedriacum in northern Italy, Vitellius was defeated.
Realizing his dwindling support, he planned to renounce his reign in support of Vespasian but he was executed on December 22, 69 AD.
His reign lasted for eight months.
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F.A.Q. about Vitellius
When is Vitellius' birthday?
Vitellius' birthday is on September 24, 15 BC.
In how many days is Vitellius' birthday?
Vitellius' birthday is in 195 days
How old was Vitellius when he/she died?
Vitellius was 84 years old.
When did Vitellius die?
Vitellius died in December 22, 69 AD.