Otho

Marcus Salvius Otho (32–69) was the second of the four emperors of the year 69 and ruled for only ninety-one days. Suetonius describes the young Nero's courtier as plucking his body hair and wearing a careful wig. After Nero took his wife Poppaea Sabina, he was sent in 58 to govern remote Lusitania, where he ruled capably but never forgave Nero.

In 68 he joined Galba's revolt and followed him to Rome. When Galba adopted Piso Licinianus as heir, the praetorians killed him on 15 January 69 and proclaimed Otho emperor.

The German legions had already hailed Vitellius, and Otho's army was beaten at Bedriacum on 14 April with some 40,000 casualties. His men wanted to fight on, but he chose to end the war, saying it was more just that one die for all than many for one, and stabbed himself to death. Vitellius took the empire.