Galba

Galba (Servius Sulpicius Galba) (găl'bu) [key], 3 B.C.–A.D. 69, Roman emperor (A.D. 68–A.D. 69). He distinguished himself in a political and military career as praetor (A.D. 20), governor of Aquitania, consul (A.D. 33), commander in Gaul, and governor of Hispania Tarraconensis (A.D. 60). In A.D. 68 an insurrection against Nero broke out, and Galba was proclaimed emperor by his soldiers. Nero committed suicide, and Galba succeeded him. A few months after his reign began, a rebellion led by Otho took place. Galba was killed, and Otho succeeded him. Galba's brief reign was distinguished by an honest but parsimonious administration.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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