Otho

My name is Otho. I was born in Ferentium in southern Eturia on the 28 April AD 32. My grandfather was a senator, and my father was a patrician. In this way, I was already introduced to leadership and government. I was Nero's lover until AD 58 when we fell out over my wife, Poppaeo Sabina. Nero loved her, so I was forced to divorce her and I was sent away as governor of Lusitania.
     At Galba's coup against Nero 10 years later, I was first to declare his support. I won sympathy with the troops, showing concern for their hardships when onthe march to Rome. I became popular with my financial generosity toward the praetorian guard. I styled myself as a potential heir to Galba's throne. I wanted it so very badly.
     I was angry and disappointed when Galba chose Piso Licinianus as his successor. Didn't he know what a mistake that he was making? But I found other ways to secure myself to the throne. I was popular with the army, who loathed Galba. So on 15 January AD 69, I was invited to the praetorian camp, where I remained.
     At this time, the horseman killed Galba and Piso at the Forum. The heads were brought to me and I was hailed emperor. The senate had little choice to refuse me as emperor. They were suspicious, for they knew that I was a former friend of Nero.
     I was finally emperor, and I governed with energy and ability. I tried to avoid civil war by offering to share power with Vitellius as join emperor. I even proposed to marry Vitellius' daughter. Vitellius would have none of it and by March, his legions were on the more. So the war started. He chased me into Italy, where I had two choices: withdraw further into Italy, or stand and fight. I chose to fight, but my army was defeated. I advised my family and friends what to do for safety, and I retired to my room to sleep. The next morning, I stabbed myself to death. 16 April AD 69 was the day I died.