Vitellius

Vitellius (AD 15–69) was Roman emperor for eight months in 69, the third of the four in the Year of the Four Emperors, and the first emperor not born into a senatorial house. In 68 Galba sent him to command the army of Germania Inferior, and he won over the soldiers. In January 69 the Rhine legions refused to swear loyalty to Galba and acclaimed him.

His generals marched on Italy and beat Otho at the first Battle of Bedriacum on 14 April, after which Otho killed himself. He let his troops riot in Rome, while the sources accuse him of gluttony and cruelty.

The eastern legions declared for Vespasian, and Antonius Primus crushed Vitellius at the second Battle of Bedriacum. Vespasian's troops fought their way into Rome, and Vitellius was dragged from hiding and killed on the Gemonian stairs on 20 December 69. Vespasian founded the Flavian dynasty.