Aulus Vitellius, consul in 48, and Proconsul of Africa in either 60 or 61, in which capacity he is said to have acquitted himself with credit, has, to the general astonishment, been appointed legate of Germania Inferior.

Vitellius has meanwhile made himself popular with his subalterns and with the soldiers by outrageous prodigality and excessive good nature, which soon proves fatal to order and discipline.

He owes his elevation to the throne to Caecina and Fabius Valens, commanders of two legions on the Rhine.

Through these two men a military revolution is speedily accomplished; they refused to renew their vows of allegiance to Emperor Galba on January 1, 69, and early in 69 Vitellius is proclaimed emperor at Cologne.

More accurately, he is proclaimed Emperor of the armies of Germania Inferior and Superior.

The armies of Gaul, Brittania and Raetia side with them shortly afterwards.

By the time that they march on Rome, however, it is Otho, and not Galba, whom they have to confront.