Editing Galba (section)

== Public service ==
Galba became [[praetor]] in about 30,{{sfn|Lendering|2006}} then governor of [[Aquitania]] for about a year,{{sfn|Greenhalgh|1975|p=15}} then [[Roman consul|consul]] in 33.{{sfn|Lendering|2006}} In 39 the emperor [[Caligula]] learned of a plot against himself in which [[Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Gaetulicus (consul 26)|Gnaeus Cornelius Lentulus Gaetulicus]], the general of the legions of Germania Superior, was an important figure; Caligula installed Galba in the post held by Gaetulicus.{{sfn|Morgan|2006|pp=33–34}} According to one report Galba ran alongside Caligula's chariot for twenty miles.<ref>Suentonius "Life of Galba" Chapter 6</ref> As commander of the legions of Germania Superior, Galba gained a reputation as a disciplinarian.{{sfn|Greenhalgh|1975|p=15}} Suetonius writes that Galba was advised to take the throne following the assassination of Caligula in 41, but loyally served Caligula's uncle and successor Claudius (r. 41–54); this story may simply be fictional. Galba was appointed as governor of [[Africa (Roman province)|Africa]] in 44 or 45. He retired at an uncertain time during the reign of Claudius, possibly in 49. He was recalled in 59 or 60 by the emperor [[Nero]] (r. 54–68) to govern Hispania.{{sfn|Morgan|2006|pp=33–34}}

A rebellion against Nero was orchestrated by [[Gaius Julius Vindex]] in [[Roman Gaul|Gaul]] on the anniversary of the death of Nero's mother, [[Agrippina the Younger]], in 68. Shortly afterwards Galba, in rebellion against Nero, rejected the title "General of Caesar" in favor of "General of [[SPQR|The Senate and People of Rome]]". He was supported by the imperial official [[Tigellinus]]. At midnight on 8 June, another imperial official, [[Nymphidius Sabinus]], falsely announced to the [[Praetorian Guard]] that Nero had fled to [[Egypt (Roman province)|Egypt]], and the [[Roman Senate|Senate]] proclaimed Galba emperor. Nero then committed [[assisted suicide]] with help from his secretary.{{sfn|Greenhalgh|1975|pp=7–11}}{{refn|[[Theophilus of Antioch]] and [[Clement of Alexandria]] (2nd century) give 9 June as the beginning of Galba's rule.<ref>[http://www.logoslibrary.org/theophilus/autolycus/327.html To Autolycus III.27]. "7 months 6 days".</ref><ref>Wilson, William (trans.) (1867). [https://books.google.com/books?id=HcpFAAAAcAAJ&pg=PA444 "The Writings of Clement of Alexandria"]. p. 444. "Seven months and six days".</ref> [[Josephus]] (1st century) and [[Aurelius Victor]] (4th century) give 8 June.<ref>''[[The Jewish War]]'' [http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=J.+BJ+4.491&fromdoc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0148 IV.491]. "Reigned seven months and as many days".</ref><ref>''[[Epitome de Caesaribus]]'' [http://www.roman-emperors.org/epitome.htm 6]. "Ruled seven months and an equal number of days".</ref> [[Cassius Dio]] states that Galba was proclaimed emperor by the Senate the night before Nero's suicide, i.e. 8 June.<ref>[[Cassius Dio]], ''[[Historia Romana]]'' LXIII, 26.</ref>}}