Otho was a useless, dissipated man who was short on capacity to lead. He was surprised to read in Galba’s correspondence the depth of the rebellion in Germany and the support Vitellius was receiving there. When Vitellius began a move toward Rome, Otho took his troops north to try and block entrance to Italy but arrived too late. When in haste he decided to attack Vitellius at Bedriacum and was defeated, Otho committed suicide on April 16th 69 A.D.
By July, the legions in the east has declared for Vespasian. Otho’s adherents, looking for a new savior, agreed to support him. Vitellius sought to meet Vespasian in the field but was held back by the Praetorians. After his army was defeated by surrogates of Vespasian, Vitellius was assassinated on December 22, 69 A.D, elevating the fourth man to emperor in a single year.