This paper argues that a close reading of Tacitus Histories 1.12-49 is crucial for understanding the work as a whole, since this unit of narrative functions very much as a paradigm for the account of all the phases of the civil wars in 69. Throughout this section, Tacitus uses sententiae about fundamental themes concerning fides, amicitia, and adulatio to structure his account of Galba's fall and Otho's rise and to draw attention to issues that will become increasingly important in the subsequent phases of the civil war. Certain episodes, such as Galba's speech to his newly adopted heir Piso (Histories 1.15-16) are especially useful for articulating and foreshadowing the breakdown of traditional values among all groups involved in the struggle for power at Rome. At the same time, these episodes pick up on and develop central historiographical themes explored previously by Thucydides and Sallust. The paper focuses especially on the warping of fides and amicitia played out amongst Galba's own circle of disreputable advisors, comparing the account with Plutarch's version to bring out what is especially Tacitean about it.