Year of the Four Emperors

Nero's Death
Nero is dead; no one within the Julio-Claudian family to clearly serve as his replacement, creates a power vaccuum. Initially, the Senates declaration seems to take effect.
 * senate declares Galba as emperor
 * army declares Rufus as emperor

Galba
In 68; Galba takes office and acts as the anti-Nero , is an old traditional Senator who is very much on the side of the senate. Galba, though popular with the Senate, is rather unpopular with the people.
 * very austere; didn't spend much
 * kills Nero's supporters; sends a message
 * suspends public games (money was tight, spending on frivolities)

Otho
Otho, who is the former husband of Poppaea, and a friend of Nero; depite initially getting along with Galba, asserts his claim to the throne '''by emphasizing ties to Nero. '''Galba is publically killed, and Otho is declared emperor by the Praetorian Guard. this represents the open conflict between the Senate and Praetorians as regards the emperorship
 * Otho 's legitimacy was based on continuing Nero's legacy; calls himself Nero Otho
 * finishes construction of Domus Aurea, styles his policy on imitating Nero

Vitellius
Otho is overthrown by Vitellius, supported by the legions under him, and Otho commits suicide; the army is always going to outweigh the influence of the Senate and Praetorians.

Vitellius, in an effort to cultivate loyalty of the people, shows loyalty to Nero by holding funeral rites for Nero.

Rise of Vespasian
Vespasian was declared emperor by his own troops in Judea, while handling First Jewish Revolt, while Vitellius had just ousted Otho from power.

The prefect of Egypt (the imperial province) supported Vespasian, was a turning point in favor of Vespasian, as Rome depended on grain supply coming largely from Egypt.

Troops in Panonia support Vespasian (because of prefect of Egypt), march south to Italy, and defeat Vitellius and his troops, and continue their march to Rome to wipe out any remaining supporters.