Fulvian (The Romans Abide)

Fulvian (Latin: Aulus Fulvian Vitellius Lucius Caesar Augustus; 28 November, 810 - 18 August, 826) was Roman Emperor for a six year period between 820 to 826. As the son of Vitellius II, Fulvian was the first Roman Emperor to succeed his father.

Born whilst his father was still leading the XIV Germina legion in Germania Superior, Fulvian grew up in a military surrounding, even joining his father in battles against Germanic tribesmen. In 818, Fulvian's uncle (Lucius Vitellius) was called back to Rome to serve as Emperor Florian's heir (assuming the position of princeps after Florian's death in March of that year). Two months after Vitellius I was risen to the throne, he called his brother, Aulus Vitellius, and Fulvian to the capital so that the two brothers could rule as co-Emperors. Aulus accepted the position, however, it would be only one month before Vitellius I died of what is believed to be a heart attack, leaving Vitellius II, father of Fulvian as sole Emperor.

In February 820, whilst his father was on his death bed, Fulvian was chosen over his elder brother to succeed him (as Fulvian's mother was the daughter of Corbulo, making him a more legitimate choice), and following the death of Vitellius II, Fulvian was declared Augustus.

During much of his reign, Fulvian had to deal with an increase of Germanic raids from across the border, as well as further economic depression brought about by the wars with Parthia and the Jewish Rebellion in the Levant. In late 825 AUC, Fulvian led the Egyptian legions into Palestein to put down a force of zealots who wrestled control from the Roman governor. Military fighting broke out in the province in mid-826, and Fulvian's participation in the conflict would eventually culminate in his own death on 18 August, 826. He would go onto be succeeded by his younger brother, who would eventually end the rebellion with the support of the general Titus.