Caligula: The Insane Emperor (37-41)
“Caligula's bizarre behavior demonstrates what can happen when absolute power is combined with a total lack of responsibility and respect for others.”
Caligula, formally known as Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, is famously known for his eccentric and vindictive actions. Many of the rumors that surrounded Caligula’s reign had to do with the relationship he had with his sister Drusilla, his beloved horse, Incitatus, and his extravagant and perverted parties. How many of this is true, could be debated, but historical records have proven many of these stories to be factual or could be directly inferred from the historical evidence. Therefore, this essays seeks to briefly examine Caligula’s life and the rumors that followed.
“[He]… had been born in the army camp of his father, Germanicus, and the little boots the soldiers made for him resulted in the nickname by which he is better known: Caligula.” The previous emperor, Tiberius, was responsible for the death of Caligula’s father, mother, and brother, both directly and indirectly. These vindictive and cruel acts must have had a severe impact on Caligula’s mental health. Along with this, Caligula was forced to live with his family’s murderer on the island of Capri, as he was to be his successor. Accordingly, it would not be farfetched to believe…show more content… Caligula represented a “new hope” to the Roman people. “[He]… initially showed promise, recalling those who had been exiled by Tiberius… [and] granted a double donative to the soldiers.” Yet, “only six months later (October AD 37), Caligula fell very ill . His popularity was such that his illness caused great concern throughout the entire empire. But, when Caligula recovered, he was no longer the same man. Rome soon found itself living in a nightmare.” This was the beginning of Caligula’s reign of
