Marcus Salvius Otho (born April 28, 32 AD, died April 16, 69 AD) was Roman emperor for just three months during the so-called Year of the Four Emperors 68/69 AD. He was a 'drinking buddy' of Nero and was married to Poppaea Sabina, with whom Nero is said to have fallen in love. However, because Otho had refused to cede Poppaea to Nero, he was sent to a Roman province under the pretext of governorship so that he would no longer get in Nero's way.
When Galba rose up against Nero in 68 AD, Otho supported him and thus turned against his former friend. After Galba had gained power and Otho, contrary to his hopes, was not chosen as his successor, he took matters into his own hands: he persuaded the praetorians to kill Galba and was subsequently proclaimed emperor by them.
This conspiracy weighed heavily on Otho's image, which is why he tried to clear his reputation. One example of this is the coinage mentioned above, on the reverse of which the goddess of victory - Victoria - can be seen with the inscription Victoria Othonis. In this way, he not only justified his actions against his predecessor, but also propagated the idea of his rightful claim to the imperial succession.
Nevertheless, his reign came to a swift end: when his army was defeated in battle in the civil war with Vitellius, Otho committed suicide, allegedly to prevent more Roman blood being shed on his account. This suicide was particularly admired by ancient authors, who otherwise painted a rather negative picture of the emperor.
Image of the coin: https://ikmk.smb.museum/object?lang=de&id=18227848&view=rs
Text: Kevin Teimer, M.Ed.
