PR 026 Vitelius praetorian guard gladius

In AD 69, Rome experienced one of the most turbulent episodes in its history. Following Nero's death, the Empire became the scene of a succession of military confrontations between rival claimants to the imperial throne.

One of them was Vitellius, governor of Lower Germania, whose rise to power was mainly supported by the Rhine legions. After defeating Otho's forces at the First Battle of Bedriacum, he entered Rome and secured control of the Empire. His reign, however, would be short-lived: only a few months later, he was defeated by the supporters of Vespasian.

Our Praetorian Guard of Vitellius is armed with a Roman gladius, the famous short sword designed primarily for thrusting and close-quarter combat. For centuries, this weapon remained one of the most recognisable elements of Roman legionary equipment.

His oval shield, featuring striking blue and gold decoration, completes the soldier's equipment and evokes the ornamental richness and variety of military dress during the Roman Imperial period.

A distinctive toy soldier commemorating one of the most fascinating episodes in Roman military history.