Vitellius: The Rotund Emperor
Vitellius (A.D. 15-69) was a Roman emperor who was probably best known for his impressive girth. His reign, which only lasted for eight months, was marked by his epic appetite and a series of ridiculous decisions that made the citizens of Rome shake their heads in disbelief.
Early Life
Vitellius was born in A.D. 15 to a wealthy family. His mother, Sextilia, was known for her love of food, and it seems that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Vitellius inherited his mother’s enthusiastic palate and quickly gained a reputation for eating anything that crossed his path.
Rise to Power
In A.D. 69, Vitellius was proclaimed emperor by the soldiers of the Rhine army. His reign was marked by his gluttony, and he quickly gained a legion of followers who were charmed by his wit and infectious personality.
Dietary Habits
Vitellius was famously indulgent when it came to food. He ate meals that could feed an entire family and was particularly fond of oysters and peafowl. His appetite was so legendary that his army once had to requisition 1,000 carts to transport the food for a single feast.
Scandalous Behavior
In addition to his eating habits, Vitellius was known for his scandalous behavior. He had a number of mistresses, and there were rumors of him engaging in lewd acts in public. He also fell out of favor with the army, who were disappointed in his lack of military prowess.
Downfall
In A.D. 69, Vitellius was overthrown by the forces of Vespasian, who had been declared emperor by the legions in the east. Vitellius fled Rome, but was caught by Vespasian’s troops and executed.
Despite his short reign, Vitellius left a lasting impression on Roman history. He was known for his excessive indulgence and the spectacular feasts he threw for his friends. His legacy lives on in the phrase “eat like Vitellius,” which is still used to describe someone with an insatiable appetite.