Emperor Otho is remembered to this day for his great act of kindness. As a Christian, it is important to be well-educated. It is not enough to read the Holy Book to understand God because the truth is that in order for humans to know and understand history. We need to seek the root of everything.
If you want to know how Jesus dealt with certain things, it is also essential to have an overall vast knowledge of other subjects that the Bible might not mention. Geography is a must, even though the Bible mentions a few locations. Remember, God created this Earth and all living things on it. Therefore, it is only an honor to Him that we get to know His creation.
Another important subject that you should master is history and not just the history that includes Jesus Christ, per se. Remember, everything happens for a reason, His greater plan. And God is always watching us. Learn to ask around and to look for answers regarding major events and historic figures that shaped life as we know it today. And don’t stop when you get one answer.
Because some events happened so long ago, history tends to be distorted. However, when you find the same answer from multiple sources, it is usually a good sign that you’ve found the final answer.
How Did Otho Become Emperor to The Romans?
The Emperor reigned for a short period of time, more specifically, a few months in the year 69 AD. However, he left a valuable lesson behind him. The seventh Roman Emperor was one of the four emperors who lived during “the year of the four emperors.” The year of the four emperors is used to refer to 69 AD, the one that marks the first civil war of the Roman Empire.
It was the same year that Otho was elected Emperor after his predecessor’s murder. The seventh emperor of Romans was viewed as ambitious, and unlike many rulers before him, he was not at all a tyrant and did not engage in acts of cruelty.
People expected him to be a fair leader, who would do a lot of good, but sadly his time was cut short because of the what quickly turned into a civil war. He went to great lengths to keep the peace throughout the Empire, believing no bloodshed was necessary. Vitellius wanted to rule the Roman Empire and wanted to fight for the title of Emperor.
Otho, however, did not want his people to go to war for his title because he had already lost so many brave fighters in vain. Instead of continuing the fight, he sent emissaries to Vitellius, trying to persuade him and propose peace, even offering to marry his daughter, but it was too late.
Hoping to bring his people a better life, Otho decided to take his own life. By doing so, the lives of his people were spared, and the Empire could survive. His last words to his people are truly inspiring hundreds of years later. “It is far more just to perish one for all than many for one.”
Why Did He Commit Suicide?
Some Christians believe it is an absolute sin to take a life, especially to end your own. The logic behind this is that God created you for a reason, and the only one who is allowed to end your journey on Earth, is your creator, His Holiness. However, there are those who choose to believe that God’s will is everywhere.
Therefore, even our own actions can be connected to God Almighty. So, if one person were to end their own life, it would be because that is how God wanted that person’s life to end. Whatever you believe, remember nothing happens just as a simple coincidence.
We talk about Emperor Otho this day because he did something that God definitely would have respected. He sacrificed for those that meant the world to him. Then, in the face of death, he decided to offer himself so that his people would be spared and the Empire could go on, even if it meant going on without him.
We might not all agree with his actions, but the truth is he did save his people. And for that, he was celebrated, even after his death. Even though he only reigned for three months.
People of the Roman Empire immediately showed respect for their Emperor’s actions and ultimate sacrifice. As a result, it is said that many of Otho’s soldiers could not bear the thought of their beloved Emperor gone. They were so moved that they also committed suicide right next to his funeral pyre. They loved him too much and wanted to prove it.
What Happened Between Otho and Emperor Nero?
These two were good friends over the years. It is said that Otho was as successful as could be in the political arena thanks to his friendship with Emperor Nero. It is said that Emperor Nero shared his deepest darkest secrets with his confidant. But they had a falling out when Nero decided to take his friend’s wife, a woman named Poppaea Sabina. Well, the story is much more complicated.
It appears that Nero was already married, but he found himself in love with a woman named Poppaea Sabina. He asked his closest friend to marry her until he got rid of the actual wife, but his friend was already in love with her too.
Enraged that he would not divorce Poppaea Sabina, Nero sent his friend to Lusitania, which would be today’s Portugal. Otho stayed there for ten years. However, when things started becoming fragile under Nero’s rule, a group of people, including the seventh emperor, decided to take the title away from him.
Nero decided to end his own life, and Galba was named the new Emperor. However, he only reigned for a few months. He died because of his greed. His own army turned on him after realizing he never planned to pay them. “Disappointment, resentment, and a massive accumulation of debt now prompted him to revolt.” (Historian Suetonius)
