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DATE |
ROME |
JUDEA |
|
68-69
|
Galba is emperor from June 8 of 68 to January of 69. He is
72 years old, rheumatic and senile and with hands and feet so deformed by
gout he cannot wear shoes or hold a book. He receives support in his
office from Otho, the governor of Lusitania (Portugal) when it is badly
needed. Galba is then recognized by other commanders of Nero's legions,
including Vespasian. However, Galba is as stingy as he is senile,
completely inept in his position. He has no statesmanlike qualities. He
insults those who stand by him, ill-treats the Praetorian Guard, which has
been responsible for his position and puts several people to death.
Meanwhile, Legions in Germany want their general, Vitellius, to be
acknowledged as Emperor. While Otho expects Galba to legally adopt him,
setting the stage for Otho to succeed him. Galba adopts Piso Licinianus
who had been a conspirator against Nero. Otho wins the Praetorian Guard to
his side so that support for Galba disappears. Some Guardsmen catch Galba
in the Forum, and cut of his head, arms and lips. One thrusts his thumb
into the mouth of Galba and carries the head to Otho.
Otho is 38 year old. It was his wife, Poppaea, whom Nero took from him and married. In spite of such treatment, he had served his country well for the ten years as governor of Lusitania. However, Otho is a free spending dandy and is bankrupt at the time. He once said that the only way he could pay his debts was to become Emperor. The short time he is in office, he puts his image on provincial coins and attempts to marry Nero's widow. Several legion commanders swear allegiance to him. But, he only reigns three months, January 15 to April 16 of 69. The German legions are joined by troops from other provinces to march against Otho. Two legions loyal to Vitellius meet Otho's forces near Cremona on April 14-16 and defeat him. The next day, Otho, in deep depression, commits suicide. |
Jerusalem is divided into warring
camps. The Zealots hold the temple area. The Jewish aristocrats control
the upper southwest city. The leaders of the aristocrats are the former
high priests Jeshua IV end Ananus II, the latter being the son of the
Annas who killed James in 62. In early 68, both Jeshua and Ananus are
killed by Idumeans who have allied themselves to the Zealots. However,
loyalties shift constantly, with new leaders coming and going. Bandits and
trained assassins mingle with all parties, so there is no single
leadership in the city but rather warring factions and opportunists. Jews
kill more Jews than they do Romans during the war with Rome.
After taking Galilee and Perea, Vespasian could have taken Jerusalem in 68. However, on the death of Nero, he postpones his attack on Jerusalem, keeping his army ready for whatever is going to happen in Rome. He had been in the service of the Emperor, Nero, who ordered him on this campaign and he was not a part of the senatorial party. He can only wait to see what will happen. |