Vitellius, Aulus

(born AD 15—died Dec. 20, 69, Rome) Roman emperor (69), the last of Nero's three short-lived successors. Vitellius was commander of the Lower German army when Nero died and was proclaimed emperor by his troops. When he marched on Italy, Otho, a rival emperor, committed suicide. Vitellius entered Rome but there had to contend with Vespasian, whose army had also proclaimed him emperor; the troops of Vitellius lost to those of Vespasian. Vitellius's Praetorian Guard prevented him from abdicating, but he was captured by troops, dragged through the streets, tortured, and killed.

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