Vitellius AD 69 Silver Denarius Rome

Vitellius AD 69 Silver Denarius

Laureate bust right / Vesta enthroned right

The Twelve (12) Caesars

Rome

RCV2200; 19mm, 3.11g

 

Vitellius was the son of one of Claudius’ principal advisers and thus became a close friend of all the emperors from Caligula to Nero. He was created a consul in AD 48 and was also a proconsul of Africa where he acquitted himself well. When Galba became emperor he was appointed to the military command in Lower Germany however Vitellius refused to swear allegiance to Galba. In January AD 69 Vitellius was proclaimed emperor by his troops. When Otho seized the throne Vitellius marched his troops into Italy where he routed Otho’s forces at the battle of Bedriacum. He proceeded onto Rome where he assumed the title Augustus although did not arrive there until July.
Meanwhile Vespasian, who had been sent to Judea by Nero to quell the Jewish revolt was proclaimed emperor by his own troops. Vitellius had astrologers banished from Rome however he soon became unpopular due to his excessive greed and indulgences. When Vespasian entered Italy in December Vitellius was arrested, dragged through the streets before being lynched by a mob.
All coins minted by Vitellius bear the legend Germanicus which was in tribute to his German legions.