Galba (December 24, 3 BC - January 15, 69 AD) was the 1st emperor of the Year of the Four Emperors. He earned a reputation in the provinces of Gaul, Germania, Africa and Hispania for his military capability, strictness and impartiality. On the death of Caligula, he refused the invitation of his friends to make a bid for the empire, and loyally served Claudius. Following Nero's suicide, he assumed the title of Caesar, and marched for Rome. His primary concern during his reign was restoring state finances, and undertook a number of unpopular measures, the most dangerous his refusal to pay the praetorians the reward promised in his name. Two legions in Germania Superior refused to swear loyalty to Galba and demanded that a new emperor be chosen. Galba adopted as his heir and successor Calpurnius Piso. Otho, one of Galba's earliest supporters, entered into communication with the discontented Praetorians, and he was hailed as their emperor. Galba set out to meet the rebels and was met by a troop of Otho's cavalry and killed. One of a set of twelve engravings of Roman emperors on horseback, Netherlands, 17th century.