The Year of the Four Emperors Explained

Video

Kelly Macquire
by and
published on 15 June 2023

During the Year of the Four Emperors (69 CE), the fight between Vitellius and Vespasian would ultimately bring about the demise of four legions, the XV Primigenia, I Germanica, IIII Macedonica, and XVI Gallia. All four of these legions had previously served the Roman Empire with distinction under such leaders as Pompey and Octavian but made what turned out to be the wrong choice in 69 CE. While there remains a question concerning the loyalty of XV Primigenia, three of the legions made the mistake of supporting Vitellius.

Despite a somewhat inglorious ending, the legionaries exemplified what a good soldier should be and had previously served the empire well. However, during the Year of the Four Emperors, they made the ill-fated choice to support Vitellius against the other candidates for the Roman throne. Had Vitellius won, history would be praising them for their valor and fortitude. Unfortunately, they made a fatal mistake. All four, although Primigenia was reformed, met their demise and are relegated to the forgotten and dishonored legions of the Roman Empire.

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— CHAPTERS —
0:00​ Introduction
0:51 The Year of the Four Emperors
2:07 Emperor 1 – Galba
4:11 Emperor 2 – Otho
5:04 Emperor 3 – Vitellius
6:05 Emperor 4 – Vespasian
7:28 Outro

— WANT TO KNOW MORE? —
The Year of the Four Emperors & the Demise of Four Roman Legions
https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1724/the-year-of-the-four-emperors–the-demise-of-four/
Galba
https://www.worldhistory.org/Galba/
Otho
https://www.worldhistory.org/Otho/
Vitellius
https://www.worldhistory.org/Vitellius/
Vespasian
https://www.worldhistory.org/Vespasian/

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— ATTRIBUTIONS —
You can find all attribution and credits for images, animations, graphics and music here - https://worldhistory.typehut.com/the-year-of-the-four-emperors-explained-images-and-attributions-17010

The music used in this recording is the intellectual copyright of Michael Levy, a prolific composer for the recreated lyres of antiquity, and used with the creator's permission. Michael Levy's music is available to stream at all the major digital music platforms. Find out more on:
https://www.ancientlyre.com
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7Dx2vFEg8DmOJ5YCRm4A5v?si=emacIH9CRieFNGXRUyJ9
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ1X6F7lGMEadnNETSzTv8A

World History Encyclopedia
www.worldhistory.org

#history #ancientrome #romanhistory #romanemperor

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About the Author

Kelly Macquire
&
Kelly is a graduate from Monash University who has completed her BA (Honours) in Ancient History and Archaeology, focussing on iconography and status in Pylos burials. She has a passion for mythology and the Aegean Bronze Age.

The video and its description text are provided by Youtube. This website claims no authorship of this content; we are republishing it for educational purposes.

Cite This Work

APA Style

Macquire, K. (2023, June 15). The Year of the Four Emperors Explained. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/video/2969/the-year-of-the-four-emperors-explained/

Chicago Style

Macquire, Kelly. "The Year of the Four Emperors Explained." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified June 15, 2023. https://www.worldhistory.org/video/2969/the-year-of-the-four-emperors-explained/.

MLA Style

Macquire, Kelly. "The Year of the Four Emperors Explained." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 15 Jun 2023. Web. 27 Apr 2024.

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