biography
pronunciation:
[vitelius]
| biography:
| Roman emperor, a successor of Nero. Appointed by Galba to the command of the legions on the Lower Rhine (68), he was proclaimed emperor at Colonia Agrippinensis (Cologne) at the beginning of 69. His generals put an end to the reign of Otho by the victory of Bedriacum. Vitellius, during his brief reign, gave himself up to pleasure and debauchery. Many of his soldiers deserted when Vespasian was proclaimed emperor in Alexandria. Vitellius was defeated in two battles by his rival, dragged through the streets of Rome, and murdered. |
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