Gaius was brought up among the soldiers his father commanded on the Rhine, a river in central Europe. Most historians generally describe his rule as a period of violent, scandalous, insanity and rightfully so. 'Caligula', more properly Gaius (Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus), was the third Roman emperor, in succession to Tiberius. Caligula, Roman emperor from 37 to 41 CE, who succeeded Tiberius and transferred the last legion under a senatorial proconsul to an imperial legate, completing the emperor’s monopoly of army command. This particular account was documented in the annals of Tacitus. “The Lives of the Twelve Caesars Complete” p. 168, [10] Jeffers, H. Paul. Still, Caligula held himself together for the time being and waited for his opportunity to seize power from Tiberius. If you ask any Game of Thrones fan, the actor who plays Joffrey Baratheon, a cruel and violent child king in the books an Caligula’s progress towards usurping Tiberius’ power, however, was met with another emotionally traumatic event. Adams summed up this type of thought by stating “Both Suetonius and Dio Cassius attribute [or at least infer] that the alteration of Gaius Caligula’s character occurred following from the illness he suffered during AD 38.”[12] This evidence leads one to believe that many early historians portrayed Caligula’s madness as a result of this disease. *You can also browse our support articles here >. In response to this Tiberius appealed to Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso, the governor of Syria, to prevent Germanicus from gaining power abroad. Ancient sources, like Suetonius and Cassius Dio, describe Caligula having a "brain fever". The nickname stuc… Evidence of this type of thought comes from the writings of Suetonius and Dio Cassius. Copyright © 2003 - 2021 - UKEssays is a trading name of All Answers Ltd, a company registered in England and Wales. It was because of this particular attire Gaius wore that soldiers began to call the young boy Caligula meaning “miniature military boots (caliga).”[1]The name happened to stick with him for the rest of his life. Tiberius found her actions to be quite troublesome and quickly came up with a solution to be rid of her. Word of Germanicus’ visits to the area were not received on good terms by Tiberius who began expressing hostility towards Germanicus. Of Little Worth. The account leads one to believe that Caligula was developing habits considered to be socially deviant within his society. His sisters were Agrippina the Younger, Julia Drusilla, … Early life Caligula was born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus in Antium (modern Anzio) on August 31, 12 C.E. His mother dressed the young boy in the uniform of a Roman soldier, and for th… When studying Caligula’s reign, however, one can overlook the underlying causes of Caligula’s madness. To hasten Tiberius’ death and prevent Tiberius’ grandson Gemellus from seizing power Caligula conspired against them with his chamberlain Naevius Sutorius Macro. Disclaimer: This is an example of a student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. Info: 2865 words (11 pages) Essay What is the timbre of the song dandansoy? With growing fears of possible insurrection, Tiberius shifted his focus to Caligula’s other brother Drusus who, infuriated by the death of his father, had begun to conspire against him. Regarding this relationship Suetonius stated “There never was a better servant, nor a worse master.”[9] From this evidence one can see the fragile nature of Caligula and Tiberius’ relationship. Many historians have noted that Caligula suffered from another mental illness that had affected him since his birth. He also died in exile with his mother. After the death of his first wife, Caligula’s temperance with Tiberius had begun to wear thin. Philo of Alexandria reports it was nothing more than a nervous breakdown, as Caligula was not used to the pressures of constant attention after being out of the public eye for most of his life. First, it suggests that Caligula was experiencing social displacement. In order to understand the synthesis of Caligula’s madness one must explore his life leading up to the alleged illness that changed his behavior. This misconception can still be found today in the popular brain teasing game “Globetrotting Brainiac: 600 Historical Facts & Fun Trivia from Around the World” by Kaplan. While these events were unfolding during Caligula’s adolescence one can find evidence that he was experiencing the onset of mental instability. The reign of Augustus, the first emperor, was nearing its end when Caligula was born. 7. Discover the meaning of the Caligula name on Ancestry®. Recent sources say that Caligula probably had encephalitis. It seemed Caligula was spared by a stroke of luck. “Globetrotting Brainiac: 600 Historical Facts & Fun Trivia from Around the World”. The evidence also indicates that these problems were affecting Caligula well before he was emperor. “The Annals” p. 177, [5] Wells, Colin Micheal. If your impeached can you run for president again? “Epilepsy: A Comprehensive Textbook, Volume 1” p. 2108, [8] Grant, Michael. Discussed below are the Atrocities and Tortures carried out by Caligula.He was certainly addicted to other people's suffering. Published: 1st Jan 1970 in After surviving the illness, Caligula resumed his rule as a more psychotic Roman Emperor. Company Registration No: 4964706. Enter Caligula the Cruel Late in 37 A.D., Caligula fell ill with some sort of brain fever. This evidence suggests two aspects about Caligula’s life. This was only the beginning of a series of hardships Caligula was forced to endure. Caligula did not simply turn into an insane, violent, sexual deviant over night. To silence Caligula’s mother, according to modern historian Peter Roberts, Tiberius had her tried for treason and then “banished to Pandataria Island off the Campanian coast where she died of starvation in 33.”[3] Along with Agrippina, Tiberius also banished Caligula’s Brother Nero. This made Caligula the grandson of Tiberius and placed him in the advantageous position to inherit the throne. Caligula’s mother, Agrippina the Elder, brought grievances against Tiberius in Rome for his involvement in the murder of her husband Germanicus. Looking for a flexible role? What are the difference between Japanese music and Philippine music? [8] This evidence reveals that Caligula’s mental stability may have been exacerbated or induced on account of his epileptic condition. Recent sources say that Caligula probably had encephalitis.   While there is such a risk if one's body temperature exceeds 107.6 degrees F, a fever … In this game one of the cards states “Fact: In 37 CE, Caligula was diagnosed with ‘brain fever’ and soon thereafter began forcing many people including his father-in-law, to commit suicide.”[14]The card suggests that Caligula somehow transformed suddenly into a mad tyrant. The mental conditions that existed prior could have been exacerbated by the illness that Caligula experience. For these reasons historians have portrayed Caligula as a mad man. “The Roman Empire.” p. 108, [6] Tranquillus, Gaius Suetonius. These happy times, however, were not long lived as a cloud of turmoil enveloped Caligula’s life. His legacy as a ruler, however, was to be tainted by his brutal and psychologically troubled past. Gaius Suetonius recollected that Caligula’s ascension to the throne was initially greeted with great expectations by the Roman public. Elements of Caligula’s madness during his reign were reflected in his violent unpredictability, sexual promiscuity (including his sister whom he continued incestuous relations), and crude behavior towards his peers. His family, being descendent of the Juilan Caesarian blood line, was also related to the late emperor Augustus who was replaced by Tiberius in 14 CE. The most (in)famous depiction of Caligula’s life is still banned in Canada and Iceland. Caligula’s notoriety as an unhinged, bloodthirsty Roman emperor may not tell the whole story. There were a number of freedmen in his close circle who attained considerable influence: Helicon, his chamberlain; Apelles, a tragic actor; and most wealthy and powerful of all, Callistus, a kind of imperial secretary. “The Lives of the Twelve Caesars” p. 292, [12] Adams, Geoff W. “The Roman Emperor Gaius ‘Caligula’ and His Hellenistic Aspirations.” p. 150, [13] Richard, Carl J. During the time Gaius spent marching on campaigns in Germania with his father he wore child sized armor and boots. “History’s Greatest Conspiracies: One Hundred Plots, Real and Suspected, That have Shocked, Fascinated, and Sometimes Changed the World.” p. 193, [11] Tranquillus, Gaius Suetonius, Translated by Forester, Thomas. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of UKEssays.com. Instability within the Julio-Claudian house, generated by uncertainty over … Caligula's father, Germanicus, was Emperor Tiberius's (42 B.C.E. Among the historians of Caligula’s time, Suetonius wrote of the condition Caligula suffered from in great detail. Registered office: Venture House, Cross Street, Arnold, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, NG5 7PJ. Who is the longest reigning WWE Champion of all time? Known by his nickname “Caligula,” the notorious Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus was the third emperor of the Roman Empire. Caligula: Mad, bad, and maybe a little misunderstood. What is the first and second vision of mirza? Caligula’s patience, however, paid off when Tiberius fell gravely ill in 37CE. Given Caligula’s past, however, one cannot charge his madness to this single event. Though it was never proven formally, it was known within the Roman public that Germanicus’ controversial death produced feelings of “hatred against Tiberius and Livia, and suspicions that they had plotted the murder along with Piso and his wife.”[2]This event was no doubt a traumatic one for the young boy Caligula. When he arrived in Rome on March 28, 37 AD, he was greeted enthusiastically by all, showing great deference to the senators and promising to share power with them in all ways. His mother, Agrippina,was the granddaughter of Emperor Augustus (63 b.c.e.–14 C. E.). What we do know is that our historians are generally approving of him before this event. Copyright © 2021 Multiply Media, LLC. Therefore, contrary to the story conveyed by Suetonius and Cassius, the illness played a lesser role in Caligula’s madness. Evidence such as this serves as a reminder that one should always ask questions and investigate when presented with material claiming to be ‘fact.’, [1] Boatwright, Mary T. “A Brief History of the Romans” p. 203, [2] Barrett, Anthony A, “Caligula: The Corruption of Power” p. 15, [3] Roberts, Peter. Find your family's origin in the United States, average life expectancy, most common occupation, and more. Caligula was born in Antium (modern Anzio and Nettuno) on 31 August 12 AD, the third of six surviving children born to Germanicus and Germanicus' second cousin Agrippina the Elder. Finally freed from being the “pampered prisoner” of his father’s murderer, Caligula was a loved and welcomed emperor. How long will the footprints on the moon last? The deaths of Caligula’s mother Agrippina and Brother Nero, however, were not enough to satisfy Tiberius’ dominance over Roman politics. Such worries were common among imperial dynasties, but not with the danger that Tiberius posed. What is the WPS button on a wireless router? [13], Caligula’s legacy has long been a topic focused on the insanity, violence, and scandal that occurred during his reign as emperor. Caligula was born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus in Antium (modern Anzio) on August 31, 12 c.e. The most common causes of a brain infection are Meningitis, Encephalitis and Cerebritis. He died soon after in Antioch in the year 19 CE. New evidence has led one to believe that the madness that Caligula experienced was a result of a series of traumatic events over his life rather than a single event that occurred during his reign as Emperor. From the evidence provided in this essay, however, one can see how this ‘fact’ card somewhat misconstrued Caligula’s madness as a sudden event that was a result of a single illness which occurred later in his life. Find the perfect caligula film stock photo. Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, better known by his nickname Caligula, was the third Roman Emperor who reigned for a short period of 4 years from 37 AD to 41 AD.Though his early reign is considered brilliant, Caligula is mostly remembered for his despotic rule, insanity, perversion and acts of extreme cruelty; making him among the iconic ‘bad guys’ in the annals of history. Study for free with our range of university lectures! Registered Data Controller No: Z1821391. This model best fits the Roman emperor Caligula. Together Caligula and Macro arranged for their assassination. As a toddler Gaius marched with his father into several bloody campaigns in the territory of Germania. He emerged a very different person and would wander his palace throughout the night, his head pounding. Over the course of time he spent with the emperor, Caligula had to keep his inner turmoil to himself while he closely observed Tiberius. It was publicly known in Rome that Caligula adored his sister perhaps a little too much. 9. Then imagine having to harbor such atrocities and hardships internally with no time for remorse. History. See Julio-Claudian family tree. It is important to note Caligula’s obedience was probably due to fear of what Tiberius might do to his sisters if he refused. Imagine being born into a world of violence, betrayal, broken family, imprisonment, and utter misery. For the time being Caligula would have to wait until the right moment to strike back. All of these events created disdain among his people and eventually led to his death in 41CE at the hands of his own Praetorian Guard. His mother, Agrippina, was the granddaughter of Emperor Augustus (63 B.C.E. 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