Aulus Vitellius, commonly known as Vitellius (24 September 15 – 22 December 69), was a Roman Emperor who reigne from 2 January 69 to 22 December of the same year. Vitellius acceded to this position following the quick succession of the previous emperors Galba and Otho, in a year of civil war known as the Year of the Four Emperors. Upon his accession, he took the honourific cognomen Germanicus.