Biography of Caligula

Pathways to madness

31 August 12 24 January 41 the death of Tiberius on March 13 of 37 a.d. was the occasion of relief to the Roman people. Died at the age of sixty-eight years, Tiberius had ruled for the past twenty three of his life, and was at the time considered a tyrant because of bad relationships with the people, the Senate and the military. It seems that his death was not accidental. When he was succeeded by his great-nephew Caligula the world appeared brighter. Born at Anzio on 31 August of year 12, Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus-better known as Gaius Caesar or Caligula--then 25-year-old, reached out to the Republic, and soon began a successful collaboration with the Pater Conscriptis of the city. Everybody judged favourably.
Caligula promoted amnesties, decreased taxes, organized games and parties, made legal again rallies. This happy period did not last forever. After only seven months as emperor Caligula was seized with a sudden and strange disease. Was upset in the physical but above all in the mind. It quickly became a cynic, megalomaniac, bloodthirsty and absolutely insane. Condemned to death for trivial reasons, and often ordered twice the same person, not remembering to have her killed. The senators, who had seen the danger, tried to assassinate, but to no avail. When he died his sister Drusilla, Caligula, which seems to have had incestuous relationships, the mental health of the Emperor suffered even more.
It quickly became a true despot, calling himself Emperor, as well as father of the country. Before him everyone had to genuflect, and had determined that on 18 March of every year was to become party in his honor. Called himself as the gods: Jupiter, Neptune, mercury and Venus. Often wore women's clothes, and wore flashy jewelry and bracelets. His reign lasted only four years (from 37 to 41). He was killed on 24 January 41, when she was leaving an arena during the Ludi Palatines. They stabbed him 30 times. With him were executed all close relatives. Even his young daughter Julia Drusilla was spared: he was thrown against a wall. Like his father, Caligula also will be remembered as a tyrant. The Kingdom will hand his uncle Claudius Germanicus, fifties, and only surviving relative.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.