Gaius (Caligula) Born 12 CE-41 CE Caligula means ‘little soldiers boots’ in Latin. He got this name because when he was a child his father took him to his legions camps in Germany, where he was outfitted with a miniature soldiers outfit. Caligula means ‘little soldiers boots’ in Latin. He got this name because when he was a child his father took him to his legions camps in Germany, where he was outfitted with a miniature soldiers outfit.

Gaius was tall, pale, with a poorly built and hairy body, spindly legs and an almost totally bald head, which upset him greatly; he was both mentally and physically sick, suffering from epilepsy and insomnia. (Suetonius, Gaius p50)

How He Became emperor: Support Caligula was declared emperor by Macro the commander of the imperial guard and successor to Sejanus and was Caligula’s mentor and ally. According to Suetonius “Gaius’ ascension seemed like a dream come true” (Suetonius, Gaius) – This is because he was a blood relative of Caesar and his father, Germanicus, was well liked. Caligula was declared emperor by Macro the commander of the imperial guard and successor to Sejanus and was Caligula’s mentor and ally. According to Suetonius “Gaius’ ascension seemed like a dream come true” (Suetonius, Gaius) – This is because he was a blood relative of Caesar and his father, Germanicus, was well liked.

How He Became emperor: Opposition Caligula had his enemies, however, and Tiberius declared that “He [Gaius] has Sulla’s vices without his virtues” (Tacitus, Annals) – He thought Caligula would be a tyrannical leader, without any positives coming from his rule. Caligula had his enemies, however, and Tiberius declared that “He [Gaius] has Sulla’s vices without his virtues” (Tacitus, Annals) – He thought Caligula would be a tyrannical leader, without any positives coming from his rule.

How He Maintained Power Removed possible conspirators from positions of power. – Such as in the area of the Rhine. He was concerned that one of the commanders, Aemilius Lepidus, was conspiring against him, with Gaius’ two sisters. Removed possible conspirators from positions of power. – Such as in the area of the Rhine. He was concerned that one of the commanders, Aemilius Lepidus, was conspiring against him, with Gaius’ two sisters.

How He Maintained Power He awarded his friends client states (an area that was conquered but not absorb into the Roman Empire). – When Caligula removed Aemilius Lepidus from command over the Rhine, he was replaced with Sulpicius Galba He awarded his friends client states (an area that was conquered but not absorb into the Roman Empire). – When Caligula removed Aemilius Lepidus from command over the Rhine, he was replaced with Sulpicius Galba

Characteristics Ancient texts lead modern historians to believe that Caligula had some form of either mental or physical illness, which has led him to be called deranged or mad. (Extracts from Fagan, G, and Murgatroyd, P, 2006, From Augustus to Nero) In 37 CD Caligula suffered a serious illness which changed his personality, making him more aggressive. Ancient texts lead modern historians to believe that Caligula had some form of either mental or physical illness, which has led him to be called deranged or mad. (Extracts from Fagan, G, and Murgatroyd, P, 2006, From Augustus to Nero) In 37 CD Caligula suffered a serious illness which changed his personality, making him more aggressive.

Impact on Roman Life He was reported to be a tyrant, which led to his rule being very oppressing to the Roman people. He started construction on two new aqueducts in Rome, the Aqua Claudia and the Anio Novus. He banished all male prostitutes from the city. He was reported to be a tyrant, which led to his rule being very oppressing to the Roman people. He started construction on two new aqueducts in Rome, the Aqua Claudia and the Anio Novus. He banished all male prostitutes from the city.

The Aqua Claudia, which Caligula started construction of. It was finished by Emperor Claudius in 52 CE

Nature of His Decline He was openly assassinated by the Praetorian Guard at age 29 on the 24 th January 41 CE. (By a tribune of the Praetorian Guard, Cassius Chaerea) He was the first emperor to be openly assassinated. The assassins acted upon personally motives, and did not have anyone in mind to replace Caligula as emperor. He was openly assassinated by the Praetorian Guard at age 29 on the 24 th January 41 CE. (By a tribune of the Praetorian Guard, Cassius Chaerea) He was the first emperor to be openly assassinated. The assassins acted upon personally motives, and did not have anyone in mind to replace Caligula as emperor.