Suetonius is unsure whether Vitellius was born into an aristocratic or a common family. He managed to achieve preeminence and wealth as an associate of Caligula, Claudius, and Nero. Vitellius was able to claim the city of Rome and role as emperor after Otho’s suicide. However, he had a taste for both cruelty and luxury, especially lavish banquets. The armies soon defected from him and sided with the general Vespasian. Vitellius was killed when Rome was taken by Vespasian’s forces.