12 Days: Nero's succession and the fall of the Byzantine Empire
This episode covers two Roman historical events occurring on January 1st: the mutiny of Rhine legions against Emperor Galba in 69 AD that triggered the 'year of four emperors,' and the ascension of Romanus IV as Byzantine Emperor in 1068 AD, whose reign ended disastrously at the Battle of Manzikert in 1071.
Summary
The hosts begin by discussing the Roman origins of celebrating January 1st as New Year's Day, when consuls took office and sacrifices were made. Tom Holland recounts the ominous events of January 1, 68 AD during Nero's final year, including lost temple keys and Sporus giving Nero a ring depicting Persephone's rape by Hades. This set the stage for Nero's downfall through rebellions led by Julius Vindex and Galba. The main focus shifts to January 1, 69 AD, when the Rhine legions refused to swear loyalty to the new Emperor Galba. The legions, stationed along the Rhine frontier to guard against Germanic tribes, were angry at Galba for preventing them from plundering Gaul after defeating Vindex's rebellion. A young commander named Aulus Caecina, facing corruption charges, stirred up mutiny at the Mainz legionary base. The rebellious legions destroyed Galba's statues and sought a new emperor, eventually settling on Vitellius, the fat governor who loved his food but was reluctant to assume power. This initiated the tumultuous 'year of four emperors.' Dominic Sandbrook then discusses January 1, 1068 AD, when Romanus IV Diogenes became Byzantine Emperor after a failed coup attempt. Instead of punishment, the regent Eudokia married him, making him emperor. However, his reign ended catastrophically at the 1071 Battle of Manzikert against the Seljuk Turks. Despite the Turks' initial desire for peaceful terms, the battle became a disaster for the Byzantines. Romanus was captured but treated well by Sultan Alp Arslan, who released him after agreeing to terms. However, upon his return, imperial rivals had launched a coup against him. After being captured, despite promises of safety, Romanus was brutally blinded in three attempts by an inexperienced executioner while 'bellowing like a bull.' He died shortly after from infected wounds, having received a mocking letter from historian Michael Psellus congratulating him on losing his eyes. The hosts note that Manzikert marked the beginning of Byzantine decline, though the empire survived another 400 years until 1453.
Key Insights
- The Rhine legions' mutiny against Galba was motivated not by loyalty to Nero, but by anger at being denied the opportunity to plunder Gaul after defeating Julius Vindex's rebellion
- Galba's lack of charisma, despite being a disciplinary stickler, made him unpopular with the Rhine legions who had served under him previously
- Vitellius was a reluctant emperor who recognized his own inadequacies and feared a prophecy that military command would end disastrously for him
- The January 1st imperial loyalty ceremonies were crucial moments of vulnerability for new emperors, especially those like Galba who lacked dynastic legitimacy
- Romanus IV's path to becoming Byzantine Emperor was extraordinary - he went from failed coup plotter facing execution to emperor through marriage to the regent Eudokia
- The Battle of Manzikert was particularly tragic because the Seljuk Turks were initially intimidated and desperate to make peaceful terms with the superior Byzantine forces
- Despite treating the captured Emperor Romanus IV with honor and hospitality, the Seljuk Sultan Alp Arslan was shocked to have actually captured the heir to Augustus and Constantine
- The brutal blinding and death of Romanus IV exemplified the Byzantine practice of breaking promises of safe conduct, with the final insult being Michael Psellus's mocking letter congratulating him on losing his eyes
Topics
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