v13_0172 - GALBA Dupondius, (MB, Æ 29)

GALBA

(2/04/68-15/01/69)

Galba was born on December 24, 3 BC. He was raised by Livia and quickly rose through the ranks of the Roman administration. Praetor under Tiberius at the age of 20, he was consul in 33, then legate of Germania Superior at the beginning of the reign of Caligula. He is proconsul of Africa in 42 after having won a great victory over the Cats the previous year by covering the signs of Varus. Nero appoints him governor of Spain Tarraconaise. It was there that he went into rebellion against Nero in April 68. After the crushing of the revolt of Vindex in Gaul in May, Nero committed suicide on June 9. Galba was proclaimed august on June 11. He is slowly gaining Rome. Avaricious, he governs clumsily. He adopted Pison on January 10, 69 instead of choosing Otho. During this time Vitellius was proclaimed august on January 1, 69 by the legions of Germania. Abandoned by everyone, Galba was finally assassinated on January 15..