Caligula
Caligula was the third Roman emperor, he preceded Tiberius. Like Tiberius and Augustus, he was also a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. Of all the Roman emperors, he is infamous for his cruelty, depravity, and strange behaviour. He was killed by his own guards in the year 41. A number of contemporary historians who lived during the time of Caligula referred to him as being a "beast." There is a story commonly told of how Caligula elected his own horse to be a member of the senate, and he even wanted his horse to achieve the rank of first consul. Caligula is also known to have performed incest with his sisters, but some historians have dismissed these claims as being mere rumours. Because many of his contemporary historians wrote more about his insanity and wild antics, little is known about the actual rule of Caligula. The only image that comes down to us today is a ruler who was depraved and cruel. |  |
He has come to be more well known compared to the other Julio-Claudian emperors, with the exception of Augustus and Nero. The name "Caligula" has come through history to describe someone who is insane and depraved. His younger days were filled with joy, since he was the child of parents who were famous throughout the empire. Even as a child, Caligula would travel with his parents on military campaigns. Those who saw him would be amused when his parents dressed him in the uniform of a soldier.
While Caligula hated his childhood name of Gaius, he also disliked the term Caligula as well. However, it was this name that stuck. He was given this nickname by soldiers during the military campaigns of his parents. Once he became a teenager, Caligula was sent to live with his grandmother. Once she died, he returned home to his Julian family. He had little contact with the outside world during this time. His primary companions were his sisters Drusilla, Julia Livilla, and Agrippina the Younger. A number of people would later accuse Caligula of having an incestual relationship with them, although this was never proven.
Despite these accusations, Caligula had gained the respect of Tiberius. A number of historians said that he engaged in perverted acts, but it is important to remember that gossip was not uncommon even in ancient Rome. One thing that is certain about Caligula is that he was far more intelligent than his other brothers.
Original Authors: Stephen Palmer
Edit Update Authors: Ryan Norfolk
Updated On: 01/12/2006
