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THE ROMAN EMPEROR CALIGULA (Reign 37 - 41 A.D) Caligula Was Not Quite 25 Years Old When He Took Power in 37 A.D

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THE ROMAN EMPEROR CALIGULA (Reign 37 - 41 A.D) Caligula Was Not Quite 25 Years Old When He Took Power in 37 A.D Emperors of Rome -- The Bad Side of Monarchy THE ROMAN EMPEROR CALIGULA (Reign 37 - 41 A.D) Caligula was not quite 25 years old when he took power in 37 A.D. At first, his succession was welcomed in Rome: He announced political reforms and recalled all exiles. But in October of 37, a serious illness unhinged Caligula, leading him to spend the remainder of his reign exploring the worst aspects of his nature. For much of human history, emperors and kings called themselves gods and ruled by what eventually came to be called ‘Divine Right.’ Divine means relating to heaven, god, or gods, depending on the culture and the religious beliefs of that culture. By claiming to either be a god or to be god like, kings throughout history increased their power, making it seem that if anyone questioned their power, they were questioning god(s). Roman emperor Caligula lavished money on building projects, from the practical (aqueducts and harbors) to the cultural (theaters and temples) to the downright bizarre (requisitioning hundreds of Roman merchant ships to construct a 2-mile floating bridge across the Bay of Bauli so he could spend two days galloping back and forth across it). In 39 and 40 A.D he led military campaigns to the Rhine and the English Channel, where he ordered battles for theatrical displays, commanding his troops to “plunder the sea” by gathering shells in their helmets). His relationships with other individuals were turbulent as well. His biographer Suetonius quotes his often repeated phrase, “Remember that I have the right to do anything to anybody.” He tormented high-ranking senators by making them run for miles in front of his chariot. He had brazen affairs with the wives of his allies and was rumored to have incestuous relationships with his sisters. (Roman Chariot Example) Caligula was tall, pale and so hairy that he made it a capital offense (put to death) to mention a goat in his presence. He worked to accentuate his natural ugliness by practicing terrifying facial expressions in a mirror. But he literally wallowed in luxury, allegedly rolling around in piles of money and drinking precious pearls dissolved in vinegar. He continued his childhood games of dress-up, donning strange clothing, women’s shoes and lavish accessories and wigs—eager, according to his biographer Cassius Dio, “to appear to be anything rather than a human being and an emperor.” CALIGULA’S DOWNFALL Caligula’s absurd actions were draining the wealth of Rome faster than he could replenish it through taxes and extortion. A conspiracy formed between the Praetorian Guard (his body guards), the Senate and the equestrian order, and in late January of 41 A.D. Caligula was stabbed to death, along with his wife and daughter, by officers of the Praetorian Guard led by Cassius Chaerea. Thus, Cassius Dio notes, Caligula “learned by actual experience that he was not a god.” (Caligula Stabbed to Death by Bodyguards and Others -- 41 A.D) The Senate attempted to use the disastrous end of Caligula’s reign as a pretext to reestablish the Roman Republic, but Claudius, the heir to the throne, took the throne after gaining the support of the Praetorian Guard. The Julio-Claudian dynasty would remain secure for another 17 years, until Nero’s suicide in 68. Questions -- Answer on Separate Sheet of Paper in Full Sentences -1- Using full sentence(s), give two examples of why Caligula was the perfect example of a terrible Roman Emperor. 2. Explain in your own words the concept of ‘Divine Right.’ 3. Think Critically: Why do you think it might take so long for for people to remove Caligula from ​ the position of Emperor? 4. Using this document as a guide, explain some of the potential problems with monarchies... .
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