Chapter 7, Galba Summary and Analysis

The Julian line becomes extinct with Nero's death and Galba rises to power. He comes from an aristocratic house and it is believed that Augustus saw him one day as a boy, pinched his check and said "you too will taste a little power, child." Then one day while his grandfather is invoking a sacrificial lightening, an eagle comes and takes the entrails that he holds in his hands and takes them to an oak tree full of acorns. A bystander says this is a sign that will bring great honor to the family.

Galba dedicates his time to liberal studies and is very skilled in law. He takes marriage seriously and only has one wife, Lepida, who bears him two sons. Sadly, his family dies and he remains single for the rest of his life. He has his...