in full Servius Galba Caesar Augustus orig. Servius Sulpicius Galba
born Dec. 24, 3 BC
died Jan. 15, AD 69, Rome
Roman emperor (68–69).
A member of the Senate, he became consul in 33, received command of the Upper German Army in 39, and was made governor of Nearer Spain in 60. Fearing his own assassination, he led a rebellion in 68 against Nero , who committed suicide. After being accepted as emperor by the Senate, Galba executed many important Romans, including some responsible for his accession. His seven-month administration was priggish and cruel, his advisers allegedly corrupt. He reneged on promises to the army; when he chose a successor unacceptable to the Praetorian Guard , they killed him and his chosen heir.
Galba, marble bust; in the Uffizi, Florence
Alinari
Art Resource/EB Inc.