EncyclopediaOtho, Marcus Salvius
Otho, Marcus Salvius (ō'thō) [key], A.D. 32–A.D. 69, Roman emperor (Jan.–April, A.D. 69). He was a friend of Nero, and his wife, Poppaea Sabina, became Nero's mistress; Otho was repaid (A.D. 58) with the province of Lusitania. In A.D. 68 he joined the revolt of Galba against Nero, but on Galba's accession Otho formed a conspiracy. Galba was killed, and Otho made himself emperor. Meanwhile Vitellius had been proclaimed emperor at Cologne and was on his way to Rome. Otho was defeated in N Italy and killed himself.
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