Lives of Galba and Otho

by Plutarch

Published 17 November 1994
Plutarch's "Lives of Galba and Otho" constitute the earliest surviving history of the shocking events that shook the Roman Empire in AD 68 and 69 - the rebellions against Nero, his betrayal and suicide, and Galba's disastrous reign, which ended in his murder. No other source preserves such a coherent account of the extraordinary events of 68, and for 69 Plutarch's "Lives" are comparable with Tacitus' "Histories". As well as including a translation, this useful companion explains the background, and provides a commentary that makes serious use of the numismatic evidence.