vespasian and the civil war

CIVIL WAR AND VESPASIAN
Towards the end of Nero’s reign and after the suicide of Nero in 68 A.D., followed a brief period of civil war known as “The Year of the Four Emperors”. This civil war occurred in A.D.68 due to Nero’s failure as emperor and his downfall and continued till A.D. 70 because of faults made by Galba, Otho, and Vitellius during their short reigns of power, as well as their rivalry. Vespasian was successful because his military support and his accession promised Rome stability and an end to the turmoil of the civil war.

The Civil War was sparked off in 68A.D. when a Gallic senator, Julius Vindex revolted against Nero when he felt his life was being threatened when Nero ordered the death of his commanders. Vindex did not aspire to become emperor and instead, asked Galba, governor of Spain, to join his rebellion against Nero and Galba quickly agreed. Galba came from a noble background, therefore having the credentials that Vindex lacked. Having only one legi...