Vitellius

Aulus Vitellius (24 September 15 to 20 December 69) was a Roman emperor who held power for about eight months in AD 69, the Year of the Four Emperors, between the reigns of Galba and Otho and that of Vespasian. Born into the relatively obscure Vitellia family, probably at Nuceria Alfaterna in Campania, he was a companion of Tiberius on Capri, a friend of Caligula, consul in 48 and governor of Africa. Galba sent him to command the army of Germania Inferior, whose legions and those of Germania Superior proclaimed him emperor in January 69. He defeated Otho at the first Battle of Bedriacum and was recognized by the Senate, taking the title Germanicus rather than Caesar and courting popular support by honoring Nero. Eastern legions then proclaimed Vespasian, whose forces beat him at the second Battle of Bedriacum. Vitellius prepared to abdicate but his supporters prevented it, and he was executed in Rome by Vespasian's soldiers on 20 December 69.