Aulus Vitellius, a Roman emperor, born about A. D. 15, killed in Rome in 69. He became consul in 48, was subsequently proconsul of Africa, and afterward legate of the same province under his brother. His vices made him a favorite of the emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius, and Nero; and when Galba ascended the throne he was placed in command of the legions of Lower Germany. In January, 69, he was saluted at Cologne with the title of imperator, and a civil war broke out between him and Otho, who had dethroned Galba. Vitellius was given chiefly to eating and drinking, and was totally unfit for the high position he had received; but his soldiers marched into Italy under Valens and Caecina, and near Bedriacum, in Cisalpine Gaul, completely defeated Otho, who killed himself. Most of the armies of the empire now acknowledged Vitellius, and he marched to Rome. But the eastern armies proclaimed Vespasian emperor; and Antonius Primus, acknowledging the latter, marched with the legions of Illyricum into Italy, and, after defeating the armies of Vitellius, reached Rome. The emperor was dragged through the streets and killed.