Imperial Sucecsion: Flavians
Galba
Suetonius Life of Galba 16-17
Hated by all especially army, Upper Germany particularly – refused oath (except one for
Senate), Galba thought being criticised for childishness rather than senility so picked heir (from
crowd) – called ‘my son’, publically adopted in Guards’ camp; 5 days later, Otho coup.
Tacitus Histories 1.15 (AD69)
Gal states his status is the will of ‘gods and men’; offered heir peaceful transfer after civil wars
and his violent takeover, like Aug – describes Aug’s succession history; says will find heir from
state not family.
Vespasian
Suetonius Life of Vespasian 6-7, 24
6-7 Vespasian made no move, supporters impatient, army support of Otho supporters – Egypt
first legions; Otho defeated and suicide; first declarations later Accession Day; then Judea;
“new civil war”, sent troops ahead to Italy, took Alexandria; Vitellius defeated and suicide.
24 Ninth consulship Ves in Campania, fever, made worse in summer retreat, died.
Lex Iulia de Imperio Vespasiani
War & peace, senatorial powers, candidate nomination, Roman boundary, any good act, except
from laws as previous emperors were, retrospective authority and immunity.
Titus
Suetonius Life of Titus 6, 9
6 Father’s colleague – triumph, censor, tribunician power, 7 consulships; most of governmental
burden in father’s name, quaestor’s task, Guards command (previously only knight) – “high-
handedly”, tyrannical – anyone suspicious executed.
9 Brother Domitian conspired, almost openly armed forces dissent, thought of fleeing to them;
Ti not heart to execute, dismiss or be less honourable towards him – chosen successor;
repeated to him daily, emotional.
Domitian
Suetonius Life of Domitian 1, 15
1 Dom fled to Capitol, emerged at Vitellius victory hailed ‘Caesar’, appointed City Praetor with
consular powers (name only – colleague took decisions).
15 Trivially executed cousin Flavius Clemens, whose sons were Dom’s heirs.
Fasti Ostensis: Senate appointed Nerva emperor on same day as Dom’s assassination
Galba
Suetonius Life of Galba 16-17
Hated by all especially army, Upper Germany particularly – refused oath (except one for
Senate), Galba thought being criticised for childishness rather than senility so picked heir (from
crowd) – called ‘my son’, publically adopted in Guards’ camp; 5 days later, Otho coup.
Tacitus Histories 1.15 (AD69)
Gal states his status is the will of ‘gods and men’; offered heir peaceful transfer after civil wars
and his violent takeover, like Aug – describes Aug’s succession history; says will find heir from
state not family.
Vespasian
Suetonius Life of Vespasian 6-7, 24
6-7 Vespasian made no move, supporters impatient, army support of Otho supporters – Egypt
first legions; Otho defeated and suicide; first declarations later Accession Day; then Judea;
“new civil war”, sent troops ahead to Italy, took Alexandria; Vitellius defeated and suicide.
24 Ninth consulship Ves in Campania, fever, made worse in summer retreat, died.
Lex Iulia de Imperio Vespasiani
War & peace, senatorial powers, candidate nomination, Roman boundary, any good act, except
from laws as previous emperors were, retrospective authority and immunity.
Titus
Suetonius Life of Titus 6, 9
6 Father’s colleague – triumph, censor, tribunician power, 7 consulships; most of governmental
burden in father’s name, quaestor’s task, Guards command (previously only knight) – “high-
handedly”, tyrannical – anyone suspicious executed.
9 Brother Domitian conspired, almost openly armed forces dissent, thought of fleeing to them;
Ti not heart to execute, dismiss or be less honourable towards him – chosen successor;
repeated to him daily, emotional.
Domitian
Suetonius Life of Domitian 1, 15
1 Dom fled to Capitol, emerged at Vitellius victory hailed ‘Caesar’, appointed City Praetor with
consular powers (name only – colleague took decisions).
15 Trivially executed cousin Flavius Clemens, whose sons were Dom’s heirs.
Fasti Ostensis: Senate appointed Nerva emperor on same day as Dom’s assassination
