CALIGULA
Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus or Caligula reigned as the third Roman Emperor from 37-41. Caligula is often portrayed as a cruel leader who lived a life of extravagance. Born on August 31, 12 to Germanicus and Agrippina the elder, he was a member of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and rose to power because of his intelligence and ability to adapt to his surroundings. His rule ended after he was murdered by his own guards.
Gaius became known as Caligula the Latin word for ‘little boots' because when he accompanied his parents in military campaigns as a toddler, his father would often dress him in military costume, complete with armor and boots.
It is believed that Caligula's father Germanicus was the favored successor of the Emperor Augustus but Augutus appointed Tiberius because Germanicus was still very young during the time of Augustus' death. Stories of murder and betrayal hounded the family, often pointing to Tiberius as the villain who did everything in he could to remain in power. Germanicus died on October 10, 19 under suspicions of poisoning by agents of Tiberius. Agrippina's relationship with Tiberius deteriorated after Germanicus' death.
As a young teen, Caligula was sent to live with Livia, Tiberius' mother. After Livia's death, Caligula lived with his grandmother on the Julian side- Antonia. During this time, Caligula had very little contact with the outside world and spent most of his days with his three sisters- Julia Livilla, Agrippina the younger, and Drusilla. Some of Caligula's opponents later questioned his close relationship with his sisters and even accused him of engaging in incest.
In 31, Caligula was made to live with Tiberius and he easily learned to adapt to life with the emperor. It is said that Caligula became indifferent to his own mother and brothers and used his servitude to Tiberius as a way to survive. His mother was banished in Pandataria and died of hunger while his older brother Nero was banished to the island of Ponza. His brother Drusus was found dead locked in a dungeon.
Caligula, on the other hand, enjoyed the benefits of living with the emperor and was said to have freely engaged in perverted acts. He was also said to have acted many times on Tiberius' behalf torturing slaves and watching gladiator battles. Since Caligula served an unpopular emperor and became an equally detested ruler, there is possibility that these accusations are merely gossips.
In 33, Caligula was appointed by given the position of honorary quaestorship by Tiberius. When Tiberius died on March 16, 37, Caligula and Tiberius' grandson Tiberius Gemellus became joint heirs to Tiberius' estate and the titles of Principate
On March 28, Caligula entered Rome after being named as Principate by the Senate and was warmly welcomed by the public. The first few months of Caligula's reign was joyous and highly celebrated. He gave out bonuses to Praetorian guards, recalled exiles, and abandoned treason trials and called them a thing of the past.
He also committed many generous acts that are now seen as completely politically-motivated and meant to increase his popularity. The fact that Caligula was the son of Germanicus and a direct descendant of Mark Anthon and Julius Caesar also added to his popularity.
In defiance of the prediction of Thrasyllus of Mendes that his chances of becoming emperor were as nil as the possibility of him riding a horse across the Bay of Baiae, Caligula had a floating bridge stretching for over two miles built, and with his favorite horse crossed the Bay.
In October of 37, Caligula fell ill and became a changed man after his recovery. His change however was not for the better as Caligula was said to have contracted a mental illness that made him extremely cruel and lustful. By the year 39, his identity has completely changed from a ruler that everyone loved to a despotic tyrant.
There were many criticisms against Caligula's religious and tax policies. He expanded the Cult of the Deified Emperor and demanded those around him to worship him. The statues and busts or Roman gods were replaced by images of Caligula even the female ones.
He even ordered Aulus Avilius Flaccus, the prefect to build statues of the Emperor in Jewish synagogues. Sources also claim that he wanted to levy tax on marriage, law suits and prostitution.
Caligula was said to have exhibited many odd behaviors including engaging in orgies, having sexual relations with the wives of senators and naming his horse Incitatus, a priest and giving it a house with a marble stable and jewelries. He also considered appointing the horse as Consul to the Senate.
Caligula became a very unpopular leader and there had been many conspiracies against him. The Praetorian Guard headed by Cassiues Chaerea eventually succeeded in their murder plot against the Emperor. Another assassin murdered Caligula's wife Caesonia and their infant child Julia Drusilla.
Original Authors: Doods Pangburn
Edit Update Authors: None
Updated On: 03/06/2007
