Rome's throne was once sold live to the highest bidder — by the men guarding it
After murdering Emperor Pertinax in 193 AD, the Praetorian Guard openly auctioned the imperial title from their camp walls. Senator Didius Julianus won by outbidding a rival, but Rome never accepted him — he was deposed and executed just 66 days later.
— Historia Augusta and Roman historical sources, Didius Julianus — Year of the Five Emperors, 193 AD