30.  In the mean time, the legions in Lower Germany having been purchased by the large gifts and specious promises of Vitel’lius their general, were at length induced to proclaim him emperor; and, regardless of the senate, they declared that they had an equal right to appoint to that high station, with the cohorts at Rome.

31.  Otho departed from Rome with all haste to give Vitel’lius battle.  The army of Vitel’lius, which consisted of seventy thousand men, was commanded by his generals Va’lens and Cecin’na, he himself remaining in Gaul, in order to bring up the rest of his forces.  Both sides hastened to meet each other with so much animosity and precipitation, that three considerable battles were fought in the space of three days, in all of which Otho and the Romans had the advantage. 32.  These successes, however, were but of short continuance, for Va’lens and Cecin’na, who had hitherto acted separately, joining their forces, and strengthening their armies with fresh supplies, resolved to come to a general engagement.  Otho’s forces were partially over thrown at Bedria’cum, a village near Cremo’na, in Lombardy, in Italy; and though he had still numerous armies at his devotion, he killed himself shortly after, having reigned three months and five days, and was succeeded by Vitel’lius.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What was the character of Sergius Galba?

2.  Did he at length emerge from his obscurity?

3.  Was he formidable to Nero?

4.  What was the conduct of Nero on this emergency?

5.  Did he actually do so?

6.  Was his request complied with?

7.  What befell him by the way?

8.  What farther happened?

9.  What occurred in the interval?

10.  How did Nero receive this intelligence?

11.  Did he resolve to await this terrible punishment?

12.  How did he contrive to put off the fatal moment?

13.  What at length put an end to this irresolution?

14.  Was he dead when the soldiers arrived?

15.  How long did he reign?

16.  What was the age of Galba on his accession?

17.  What were his principal views?

18.  Was his conduct regular and consistent?

19.  What important measure did he adopt?

20.  Who was the chief candidate on the occasion?

21.  Was he chosen?

22.  Was Piso the chosen successor, and what was his character?

23.  Was this adoption generally approved?

24.  Did not Otho attempt to set him aside?

25.  Was he favourably received?

26.  Did Galba suppress this rebellion?

27.  What was his behaviour on the occasion?

28.  Was this command obeyed, and what treatment did Galba experience?

29.  How did Otho commence his reign?

30.  Did he reign without a rival?