Galba

(Servius Sulpicius Galba)

3–69

GALBA

Galba was a scion of one of the few remaining patrician families in Rome. He came to manhood during the reign of Tiberius and served as governor or general during the reign of each of the Caesars. In 41 A.D., as he was serving as a governor of Germany, the emperor Caligula was murdered, but Galba refused the invitations of his friends to declare himself emperor. Claudius was grateful for his support and appointed him governor in Africa, and he served, as always, with a reputation for integrity and fairness. After a brief retirement, Nero appointed him governor of Hispania Tarraconensis, where he served until 68 A.D. when insurrections against Nero began.

Galba was not inclined to take the leadership until he found out that Nero intended to put him to death, and that the praefect of the Praetorian Guard had declared in his favor. After the murder of Nero however, he assumed the title of Caesar and marched towards Rome. Unfortunately he was at an advanced age, and due to some poor judgment, failed to win the support of Praetorian Guards. Knowing that his reign would be short, he selected a man of the highest character, Piso Licinianus, as his successor. Otho, a nobleman of lesser character, who had hoped to succeed Galba then organized a conspiracy against him. Galba, who was already entirely enfeebled by age, was killed in a subsequent battle.

Key events during the life of Galba:

Year	Event
20	Praetor.
	Governor of Aquitania in Gaul under Tiberius.
33	Consul.
	Governor of province in Germany under Caligula.
41	Refused invitation to declare himself emperor after murder of Caligula.
	Governor of province in Africa under Claudius.
60	Became governor of Hispania Tarraconensis under Nero.
68	After an insurrection against Nero was initiated, Galba was proclaimed emperor.
69	Murdered by conspirators after favoring Piso as successor rather than Otho.

Other Resources

Story Links	Book Links
Nobleman of the Old School  in	Pictures from Roman Life and Story  by  Alfred J. Church
Two Short Reigns  in	The Story of the Romans  by  H. A. Guerber
Galba  in	Our Young Folks' Plutarch  by  Rosalie Kaufman

Image Links
Galba  in Pictures from Roman Life and Story

Contemporary	Short Biography
Nero	Fifth emperor. Murdered mother, wife, and brother. Fiddled while Rome burned.
Otho	Emperor for three months in 69 A.D. Committed suicide rather than continue civil war.
Claudius	Fourth emperor. Manipulated by wicked wives, Messalina and Agrippina.
Caligula	Third emperor. Sadistic and probably insane.
Piso Licinianus	Nobleman of good character, selected by Galba to succeed him.