Galba

Galba (Servius Sulpicius Galba) (găl`bə), 3 B.C.–A.D. 69, Roman emperor (A.D. 68–A.D. 69). He distinguished himself in a political and military career as praetor (A.D. 20), governor of Aquitania, consul (A.D. 33), commander in Gaul, and governor of Hispania Tarraconensis (A.D. 60). In A.D. 68 an insurrection against Nero broke out, and Galba was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers. Nero committed suicide, and Galba succeeded him. A few months after his reign began, a rebellion led by Otho took place. Galba was killed, and Otho succeeded him. Galba's brief reign was distinguished by an honest but parsimonious administration.

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Galba

 in full Servius Galba Caesar Augustus orig. Servius Sulpicius Galba

Galba, marble bust; in the Uffizi, Florence

(credit: Alinari—Art Resource/EB Inc.)

(born Dec. 24, 3 BC—died Jan. 15, AD 69, Rome) Roman emperor (68–69). A member of the Senate, he became consul in 33, received command of the Upper German Army in 39, and was made governor of Nearer Spain in 60. Fearing his own assassination, he led a rebellion in 68 against Nero, who committed suicide. After being accepted as emperor by the Senate, Galba executed many important Romans, including some responsible for his accession. His seven-month administration was priggish and cruel, his advisers allegedly corrupt. He reneged on promises to the army; when he chose a successor unacceptable to the Praetorian Guard, they killed him and his chosen heir.