Gaius Nymphidius Sabinus
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Nymphidius Sabinus | |
---|---|
Born | Rome |
Died | 68 Rome |
Allegiance | Roman Empire |
Years of service | 62–68 |
Rank | Praetorian prefect |
Commands held | Praetorian Guard |
Gaius Nymphidius Sabinus (died 68) was a
Life
Nymphidius Sabinus was the son of an imperial freedwoman, Nymphidia (daughter of
After the
Nymphidius gradually consolidated some authority over the Praetorians, and his promise of material reward increased their willingness to declare for Galba during the provincial revolts of 68 which led to the senatorial rejection of Nero and to his suicide that same year.
Between the death of Nero and the arrival of Galba at Rome, Nymphidius wasted no time: he orchestrated the "resignation" of Tigellinus and stood as sole commander of the praetorian guard. Galba, however, appointed a replacement for Tigellinus,
No longer content to help others to the throne, Nymphidius declared that he himself was a legitimate successor to Nero — a claim which he supported with the dubious assertion that he was the illegitimate son of the former emperor Caligula.[1] He also took Nero's wife, Sporus, as his own wife. Sporus, who was a young male freedman, had been married to Nero (after he had had him castrated), and was said to resemble the emperor's second wife: Poppaea.[2] The Praetorians recognized that Galba's approach counted for more than Nymphidius' presence, and killed the would-be usurper before their new Emperor arrived at Rome.
Nymphidius is significant not only because he played an instrumental part in the downfall of Nero, but also because he illustrates the heights to which even men of low birth could rise on their own initiative, as well as the tremendous importance of Praetorian loyalty for imperial succession in the turbulent Year of the Four Emperors which followed the death of Nero.