Caligula, The Good and Bad

Background Info: Born On August 31st 12 A.D. Real name is Gaius Caesar. Born to Germanicus Caesar and Agrippina. Was adopted by the emperor Tiberius and became heir to the throne. Born as the third of six children. Great-Grandfather was Julius Caesar.

Family Tragedy Augustus, Caligula’s great grandfather falls ill dies on August 19th, 12 A.D. Tiberius comes into rule. Taken as the worst leader of all time. Germanicus is appointed by Tiberius to Roman eastern provinces, dies. Agrippina blames Tiberius for her husband’s death, imprisoned on a remote island, starves to death. 2 oldest sons were also imprisoned, one starves to death. The other kills himself. Caligula was spared because of his young age, the year 31 was adopted by Tiberius. Caligula was the only survivor on the family.

Gain of Power Caligula is treated like a prisoner under Tiberius. The Senate and the population chose Caligula as the next ruler after Tiberius death. Tiberius was taken as “brooding, unpopular leader” to the people of Rome. Tiberius falls ill and dies on March of 37 A.D., the people of Rome are in joy. The empire falls into Caligula’s hands to take care of.

The Beginning of Caligula’s Rule Agreed to cooperate with the Senate. Freed citizens who were imprisoned by Tiberius. Eliminated unpopular tax. Staged lavish events, including chariot races, boxing matches, plays, etc. Punished those who followed Tiberius who used them to convict and destroy people of Rome.

6 Months Later, The Corruption Caligula falls deathly ill but recovers. Was not the same person after recovery. Got corrupted with power to the point where he beheaded his adoptive son named Tiberius Germellus. To earn ways of money, he told the people of Rome to give him all his savings, including from prostitution. If not given, it would be counted as a capital crime.

His power led himself to think of himself as a living God. Killed anyone who he thought to be better than him. Also eliminated armies, senatorial power, and citizens because of his thought that the Senate had more power than he did. Had two temples created for him because of his claim as a deity. Declaring himself as a God caused a war in Judea. Even having a wife and daughter did not change him. Caligula as God?

The downfall of Caligula Rome grew to hate Caligula as emperor. Citizens began a secret plan to get rid of him. Roman commanders, including Cassius Chaerea attacked Caligula at a sporting events, was assassinated. Caligula was stabbed 30 times or more, killing him. His wife and daughter were also murdered.