This Roman Vitellius aureus was found in a farmer's field near Dudley, England, in the West Midlands. It depicted the ill-fated Vitellius, one of the four Emperors who struggled for power in AD 69, “The Year of the Four Emperors,” following the death of Nero in AD 68. Suetonius described Vitellius as an obese glutton. Vitellius defeated Otho before Vespasian eventually killed him in Rome. Vitellius was Emperor of Rome for about eight months (April 19 to December 20, AD 69). Interestingly, the coin fetched just £4,700 (approximately $6000 US). This is an excellent piece of history that reflects the influence of Vitellius in Britain at the time of the turmoil. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0mwm8nw914o A nice summary of the struggle for power after the death of Nero:
I don't see how a single coin of this short reigning Emperor reflects his influence in Britain. In fact, during his reign, Vitellius had little to no influence in or on Britain.
I agree. I would guess, given the short reign and the difficulty of travel, he may well have been dead by the time the coin got to Britain.
(I'm sorry if this is a repost. My first reply didn't post.) Thank you for reading my post. I guess the word "influence" could be too strong. British legionaries supported Vitellius during the Roman civil war in AD 69. Vexillations, or detachments, from the three legions stationed in Britain—Legio II Augusta, Legio IX Hispana, and Legio XX Valeria Victrix—were sent to strengthen his forces. Aulus Vitellius (2) - Livius The British legionaries supported Vitellius primarily due to the political dynamics of the Roman Empire during the civil war of AD 69. At that time, the governor of Britain, Marcus Trebellius Maximus, faced considerable opposition from his commanders, particularly Roscius Coelius of the 20th Legion. This internal discord undermined the governor's authority, and Trebellius ultimately fled to Vitellius in Germania. The legions in Britain lacked an emperor candidate and became involved in a larger conflict between rival claimants. Vexillations from Britain were dispatched to support Vitellius, likely as part of the broader alignment of military forces during the Civil War. After his victory over Otho at Bedriacum in April 69, Vitellius appointed Marcus Vettius Bolanus as the Governor of Britain. Roman Civil War and its effect on Britain (AD68) The maps above could reflect Vitellius's involvement in Britain's internal politics.
