OTHO, MAncus SALVIUS, Roman emperor, was descended of an ancient Etruscan family, and was b. 32 A.D. He was a favorite companion of Nero, who appointed him governor of Lusitauia, in which office he acquitted creditably. On the revolt of Galba against Nero, Otho joined himself to the former; but being disappointed in his hope of being proclaimed Galba's successor, he marched at the head of a small hand of soldiers to the forum, where he was proclaimed emperor, and Gallia was slain, 69 A.D. Otho was recognized as emperor over a11 the Roman possessions, with the exception of Germany, where a large army was stationed under Vitellius. The first few weeks of Its reign were marked by an indulgence towards his personal enemies, and a devotion to business, which, though at total variance with his usual habits, excited in the minds of his subjects the most favorable hopes. But the tide of rebellion raised in Germany by Valens and Cmcina during the reign of Galba had by this time gathered strength, and these commanders having prevailed upon Vitellius, who had become a mere gond humored glutton, to join his forces to' theirs, the combined army poured into Italy.
Otho fortunately possessed several able generals. who repeatedly del eated the rebels; but the prudence of some among them in restraining time enthusiasm of their troops, who wished further to follow up their victories, was unfortunately considered as cowardice or treason, and produced dissensions in Otho's camp. This state of matters becoming known to the generals of Vitellius, encouraged them to unite their armies, and fall upon the forces of Otho. An obstinate engagement took place near the junction of the Adda and time Po, in which the army of Otho was completely routed, and the relics of it went over on the following day to the side of the victor. Otho, though by no means reduced to extremity, resolved to make no further resistance; settled his affairs with the utmost deliberation; and then stabbed himself, April 15, 69 A.D.