One of three early Othonian victories during the Year of the Four Emperors civil war, before Vitellius ultimately prevailed at Betriacum.
Key Facts
- Year
- 69 AD
- Conflict
- Year of the Four Emperors
- Distance from Cremona
- ~15 km
- Outcome
- Othonian victory (one of three early wins)
- Ancient sources
- Suetonius, Tacitus Histories II.24
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Following Nero's death in 68 AD, Rome descended into civil war as rival claimants contested imperial power. Otho seized power from Galba but faced the advancing forces of Vitellius, whose Rhine legions marched into Italy. The two factions clashed in the Po Valley region as each sought to assert control over the empire.
The forces of Otho and Vitellius met at Locus Castorum, a village roughly 15 kilometers from Cremona, possibly the site of a temple to Castor and Pollux. The battle resulted in a victory for Otho's forces, marking the third consecutive early success for his army following engagements in the Alps and near Placentia.
Despite his early battlefield successes, Otho was unable to maintain momentum against the Vitellian forces. Vitellius's armies ultimately defeated Otho at the decisive Battle of Betriacum, ending Otho's brief reign and establishing Vitellius as emperor, though civil war would continue through 69 AD.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
Side B
1 belligerent