Jul 9, 2024
The Praetorians push for a fast campaign because they didn’t want to spend any more time away from the comforts of Rome than necessary. Unfortunately, in letting them drive the strategy, Otho sealed his doom. Just a reminder – this episode, and the rest of...
Jun 23, 2024
As the Vitellians try to build a bridge and get over it, the Othonians try to burn their bridge down. Then Otho himself arrives on the scene and holds a council of war. The big question – should they wait a few days for reinforcements or attack now despite being...
Jun 9, 2024
Italy is having its first civil war in one hundred years – not since the bloody and fateful days of Octavius v Marcus Antonius, the last days of Second Triumvirate and the Republic, have Italians seen war on their own lands, Roman v Roman. But now Otho orders...
May 18, 2024
By March 69, Caecina’s troops (part of Vitellius’ forces) had arrived in northern Italy and crossed the river Po. They first attacked Piacenza where Otho’s commander, Spurinna, struggled to maintain discipline with his inexperienced but eager troops....
Apr 28, 2024
Drunken soldiers storm the palace and threaten Otho, who they suspect is plotting something against the people. After he puts down that rebellion, Otho hears that Valens and Caecina were on the way from Gaul and puts together his army to defend Italy. Unfortunately...
Apr 20, 2024
A Sarmatian tribe from Southern Russia attacks some Roman cohorts and we learn about the Russian origins of the King Arthur myth. The governor of Corsica declares his support for Vitellius but it doesn’t end well for him, or for Tigellinus, but Calvia Crispinilla...
