Was Caligula Really the Worst Roman Emperor? | With Professor Mary Beard

This paragraph recounts the assassination of Caligula on January 22, 41 A.D., detailing the circumstances leading to his murder. Caligula, known for his corruption and excess, was killed by a group of soldiers in a palace alleyway. The narrative also touches on the rumors surrounding his death, his short reign of less than four years, and the legacy he left behind as a symbol of tyranny.

This section delves into Caligula's childhood, highlighting his upbringing on the Northern Frontier of the Roman Empire and his association with the military. It explores the origin of his nickname 'Caligula,' which means 'little boots' in Latin, and how this name was used to mock him. The paragraph also discusses the significance of his family background and the suspicion around the death of his father, Germanicus.

The paragraph discusses Caligula's time on the island of Capri, where he was brought by Tiberius. It explores the theories around his presence there, including the possibility that he was groomed to be Emperor. The narrative also touches on the brutal treatment of Caligula's family members and the influence of Tiberius's rule on Caligula's own approach to power.

This section examines the issue of succession in the Roman Empire, highlighting the lack of a fixed system and the resulting instability. It discusses the various groups vying for power when an Emperor showed signs of weakness and the violent rumors surrounding the deaths of Emperors. The paragraph also touches on Caligula's own actions regarding succession, including the murder of his cousin.

The paragraph focuses on Caligula's acts of generosity and how they were used as a form of propaganda. It describes how he minted coins with his image and slogans to promote his family connections and secure his position as Emperor. The narrative also discusses the importance of the army's support in maintaining power and the construction projects initiated under Caligula's rule.

This section recounts an anecdote of Caligula's interaction with a Jewish delegation, illustrating his exercise of power and humiliation of his subjects. It also discusses the luxurious trappings of the Imperial world and how they were used to dazzle and intimidate those around him. The paragraph further explores the blurred lines between reality and illusion in Roman culture and the unsettling nature of Caligula's rule.

The paragraph delves into the sinister world of the Imperial Court, highlighting the constant threat and paranoia that characterized palace life. It discusses the security measures taken by the Emperor, the role of slaves and ex-slaves in the palace's strategy of control, and the potential opposition from within the extended imperial family and those who opposed the dynastic autocracy.

This section focuses on the stories of Caligula's madness and excesses, including his rumored sexual perversions and his claim to divinity. It discusses the lack of contemporary evidence for these claims and suggests that these stories may have been embellished over time to justify his violent assassination. The paragraph also considers the impact of these stories on the perception of power and the anxieties of the Roman elite.

The paragraph discusses Caligula's building projects and his religious practices, including his rumored transformation of the Temple of Castor and Pollux into his own vestibule and his supposed bridge to Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill. It explores the archaeological evidence supporting some of these claims and the implications of his actions on his relationship with the Senate and the people of Rome.

This section describes the discovery of Caligula's lavish floating villas at Lake Nemi, which have become symbols of his extravagance. It explores the various theories about the purpose of these boats and the religious and pleasure aspects associated with them. The paragraph also discusses the shrines and temples around the lake and the potential implications of Caligula's involvement in the sanctuary of Diana.

The paragraph details the assassination of Caligula by members of his own personal security force and the immediate aftermath. It discusses the reactions of the Roman populace, the brief hope for a return to the Republic, and the eventual placement of Caligula's uncle Claudius on the throne. The narrative also touches on the efforts to erase Caligula's memory and the lasting impact of his reign and reputation.

The final paragraph reflects on Caligula's enduring legacy, considering the difficulty of separating fact from fiction in his story. It discusses the myths surrounding his life, the potential truths behind them, and the broader implications of his reign on the understanding of tyranny. The paragraph concludes by suggesting that Caligula's story prompts reflection on power and the appropriate responses to tyranny.