# Galba — The Lives of the Caesars character guide

> Galba in The Lives of the Caesars by Suetonius.

**Role:** major

**Also known as:** Servius Galba, Servius

**First appearance:** 0007-galba

## Who they are

An old aristocrat of iron discipline, Galba seized an empire already crumbling and ruled it as if austerity alone could save Rome.

## Relationships

### [Tiberius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/characters/tiberius)

_professional_

Galba served under Tiberius as a general and governor, earning a reputation for competence but not personal closeness.

### [Otho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/characters/otho)

_rivalry_

Otho initially supported Galba as emperor but turned against him and orchestrated his assassination when Galba adopted a rival heir.

### [Tiberius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/characters/tiberius)

_professional_

Galba served under Tiberius as a general and governor, earning a reputation for competence but not personal closeness.

## In the story

### [Book VII: Galba—Otho—Vitellius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/chapters/book-vii-galba-otho-vitellius)

Emperor Servius Galba, born in the consulship of Marcus Valerius Messala and Gnaeus Lentulus. Adopted by his stepmother Livia, he took her name and the surname Ocella. He showed respect to Livia Augusta and began his career before the legal age.

### [Galba](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/chapters/galba)

The subject of the chapter, whose life from birth to death is chronicled, including his strict rule, avarice, and downfall.

### [Otho](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/chapters/otho)

Emperor whom Otho initially supported but later conspired against and had murdered after being passed over for adoption.

### [Vitellius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/chapters/vitellius)

Sent Vitellius to Lower Germany out of contempt; his murder is reported to Vitellius.

### [The Deified Titus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/chapters/the-deified-titus)

Titus was sent to congratulate Galba on becoming emperor, but turned back when he saw turmoil.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/characters/galba
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lives_of_the_caesars_se/characters