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[[Image:Caligula.jpg|thumb|Bust of Caligula]]
[[Image:Caligula.jpg|thumb|Bust of Caligula]]
'''Caligula''' ([[Latin]]: ''Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus'', AD 12 – AD 41) was the third Roman emperor, reigning from AD 37-41. "Caligula" was a childhood nickname that meant "little boots." He was one of the most hated emperors. He was killed by Cassius, captain of the Praetorian Guard.
'''Caligula''' ([[Latin]]: ''Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus'', AD 12 – AD 41) was the third Roman emperor. He reigned from AD 37-41. "Caligula" was a childhood nickname that meant "little boots." He was one of the most hated emperors. He was killed by Cassius, captain of the Praetorian Guard.
Historical accounts depict Caligula as a monster, engaging in horrendous and despicable behavior. Yet these accounts originate from [[senator]]s who felt the need to justify his murder. Those who murdered Caligula assumed the senate would regain power upon his death and that the Republic would be restored. But the Praetorians named Claudius, Caligula's uncle, as emperor. Claudius had avoided Caligula's purges by being (or posing as) a halfwit.
Historical accounts depict Caligula as a monster, engaging in horrendous and despicable acts. In Caligula's defense, it should be noted that these accounts originate with [[senator]]s who felt a need to justify his murder.
It is possible to detect a certain cynical sense of humor in Caligula's acts of madness and tyranny. For example, it is said that he raised his favorite horse [[Incitatus]] to the office of [[consul]], the highest political office in Rome. This act could have been simply madness, but could also have simply been a way of putting the senate in its place.
The plotters assumed that the Senate would regain power upon Caligula's death. But the Praetorians named Claudius, Caligula's uncle, as emperor. Claudius had avoided Caligula's purges by being (or posing as) a halfwit.
It is possible to detect a certain cynical sense of humor in Caligula's acts of madness and tyranny. For example, it is said that he raised his favorite horse [[Incitatus]] to the office of [[consul]], the highest political office in Rome. This story is dubious as the horse's name is not on the list of known consuls.
==External links==
[https://youtu.be/PhiJcedqTjM Caligula With Mary Beard (Ancient Rome Documentary)]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]
[[Category:Roman Emperors]]