Julius Marcus (The Romans Abide)

Julius Marcus (Latin: Julius Marcus Vitellius Caesar Augustus; 7 May, 812 - 9 October 848) was Roman Emperor from 826 to 848, with a five month break in his rule due to the ascension of the usurper Marcellus.

Born into the Vitellius dynasty in May, 812, Julius Marcus was the third and final son of Vitellius II. Raised in a similar military enviroment to his brother, Fulvian, Julius was far less violent and militaristic than the rest of his family, and (as historical records are concerned), he received a far more mercantile education. In 818, Julius' father was called to Rome at the request of his (Vitellius') brother so that they could rule alongside each other as co-Emperors. After the request was granted, Julius and Fulvian were transported alongside their father to the capital. A month after their arrival, Vitellius I was found dead, leaving his older brother as the only Emperor, and two years after that, Vitellius II died, handing the throne over to his heir, Julius' older brother Fulvian.

During much of his brother's reign, Julius Marcus administered the empire from the capital whilst Fulvian was fighting wars against the Parthians and the Jews. After six years of rule, Fulvian was declared dead following a battle with Jewish Zealots in Palestine, and with no legitimate issue, the principate was handed over to Julius.

Julius Marcus was considered a far more capable administrator than his elder brother, and was able to end a number of internal and external conflicts using diplomacy. However, his insistence to waive the wants of the military and Praetorian Guard paved the way for Marcellus (former-Emperor Florian's son) to usurp power in the capital. For five months, Julius went into exile on Corsica, before a Senatorial conspiracy to remove Marcellus (due to his refusal to listen to the Senate's wishes) succeeded in December of 839, after which the former-Emperor was called back to Rome.

Reinstated, Julius Marcus continued the rule the nation for almost nine years after his return, giving more power to the Praetorian Guard and Senate in the process. After he died without baring any sons, he stated in his will that the throne was to pass onto his elder half-brother Petronianus, an event that finally occured in the October of 848.