The Lives of the Caesars · Chapter
Galba explained
This chapter details the life, rise, and fall of Emperor Servius Galba, from his birth and early omens foretelling his rule to his brief and unpopular reign.
What happens
This chapter details the life, rise, and fall of Emperor Servius Galba, from his birth and early omens foretelling his rule to his brief and unpopular reign. It covers his strict military discipline, his avaricious and cruel governance, his reliance on corrupt advisors, and the series of prodigies that preceded his assassination, culminating in his overthrow by Otho.
Themes in this chapter
Ambition and the Pursuit of Power
Galba's rise to power is marked by omens and prophecies, but his inability to manage ambition in others (e.g., Otho, Nymphidius) leads to his fall.
Character and Morality of Rulers
Galba's avarice, cruelty, and reliance on corrupt advisors (Vinius, Laco, Icelus) undermine his rule and alienate all classes.
Omens, Prophecy, and Divine Favor
Multiple prodigies—from the foaling of a mule to dreams and sacrificial mishaps—foretell Galba's end and reflect his changing fortune.
Public Image and Propaganda
Galba's reputation for stinginess and cruelty is mocked in popular verses and theatre, eroding his initial popularity.
Characters to notice
- Galba
The subject of the chapter, whose life from birth to death is chronicled, including his strict rule, avarice, and downfall.
- Augustus
Augustus prophesied Galba's future power when pinching his cheek as a boy.
- Tiberius
Tiberius commented on Galba's destined but late emperorship, and later reduced his inheritance from Livia.
- Nero
Nero's reign preceded Galba's; Galba revoked Nero's grants and punished his supporters.
- Otho
Otho succeeded Galba after his assassination, and his father had been Galba's successor in a consulship, seen as an omen.
- Nymphidius Sabinus
Prefect of the praetorian guard who plotted against Galba; Galba discharged soldiers suspected of being his partisans.
- Tigellinus
A hated creature of Nero whom Galba protected, issuing an edict rebuking the people for demanding his punishment.
- Halotus
Another of Nero's creatures whom Galba saved and honored with a stewardship.
Key passages
“Thou too, child, wilt have a nibble at this power of mine.”
You also, boy, will taste a bit of my authority.
Augustus's prophecy to the young Galba, foretelling his future emperorship.
“Soldier, learn to play the soldier; 'tis Galba, not Gaetulicus.”
Soldier, learn to be a soldier; it is Galba, not Gaetulicus.
A verse circulated among troops after Galba forbade applause, highlighting his strict discipline.
“Here comes Onesimus from his farm”
Here comes Onesimus from his farm
Theatre audience chanted this line to mock Galba's stinginess and rural origins upon his arrival in Rome.
