Caligula, whose full name was Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, was the third Roman Emperor, ruling from 37 to 41 AD. His reign is notorious for its cruelty, extravagance, and madness. Here are 14 facts about the tyrannical aspects of Caligula’s rule :
1. Caligula’s Birth Name : Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, commonly known as Caligula, earned his nickname, meaning « little boot, » during his childhood due to the miniature military outfit he wore while accompanying his father on military campaigns.
2. Complex Relationship with Tiberius : Caligula’s father, Germanicus, was adopted by Emperor Tiberius. After Germanicus’s death, Caligula’s mother accused Tiberius of being responsible, leading to their imprisonment. Caligula, raised by Tiberius, experienced a tumultuous relationship marked by cruelty and manipulation.
3. Promising Early Reign : Caligula initiated political reforms early in his rule, such as recalling exiles. However, his behavior took a dark turn, possibly due to illness, leading to increased erratic and irrational conduct.
4. Extravagant Spending : Caligula’s lavish spending, funded by increased taxes, included extravagant projects like a 3-mile-long floating bridge across the Bay of Baiae. He would parade on this bridge in a golden cape on horseback.
5. Declared War on the Sea : After military failures, Caligula, in a fit of desperation, declared war on the sea god Neptune. He even ordered his troops to collect seashells as spoils of victory during a fictional triumphal procession.
6. Self-Deification :Caligula asserted his divinity, claiming the right to do anything to anyone. He engaged in extramarital affairs, tortured or assassinated senators, and reportedly replaced statues’ heads with his own.
7. Insecurities about Appearance :Caligula, conscious of his unflattering physical features, particularly his bald head and hairy body, banned any mention of goats, which some likened his appearance to. He also imposed a capital offense for such mentions.
8. Affection for His Horse Incitatus : Despite his harsh temper, Caligula showed great affection for his horse Incitatus, reportedly considering making it a consul, one of Rome’s highest political positions.
9. Twisted Gladiatorial Events : Caligula turned gladiatorial fights into brutal displays, feeding parts of the audience to animals and having slaves and criminals sacrificed for entertainment. He also poisoned rival horses.
10. Incestuous Relations : Caligula is rumored to have had an incestuous relationship with his sister Julia Drusilla, displaying overwhelming love for her. He honored her with the title Diva Drusilla after her death.
11. Marital Exploits : Caligula married four times, with his last wife, Milonia, giving birth to his only child. He publicly paraded her naked, accusing her of promiscuity.
12. Extravagant Lifestyle : Caligula’s dinner parties included serving gold meals and drinking pearls dissolved in vinegar. He also enjoyed extravagant trips on large pleasure barges on Lake Nemi.
13. Bridge to Defy Prophecy : In defiance of a prophecy, Caligula ordered the construction of a temporary floating bridge across the Bay of Baiae, potentially causing a brief famine in Rome.
14. Senate’s Attempt to Erase Him : The Roman Senate, appalled by Caligula’s actions, attempted to expunge him from history by destroying statues. However, their efforts were in vain, as Caligula remains one of the most studied emperors.
In summary, Caligula’s reign was marked by a descent into madness, characterized by eccentricities, cruelty, and a disregard for traditional Roman values. His brief and tumultuous rule left a lasting impact on the perception of imperial authority in Rome.
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