Caligula Notes
Chronicle of the Roman Empire by Chris Scarre
Promising Start
In the early months of his reign, Caligula abolished treason trials, paid generous bequeaths to the people of Rome and a large bonus to the praetorian guard who had helped him to power. It was a time of hope and relief. (p. 37)
Honeymoon Ends
Caligula fell ill 6 months after becoming emperor
He possibly had a nervous breakdown, however a physical ailment seems more likely
Said to have suffered epilepsy in his youth and had insomnia in later life
According to Suetonius, he only slept 3 hours a night and was troubled by terrifying nightmares
He would wander through palace colonnades, calling out for dawn and daylight
Recovered on October or November 37 (p. 38)
Some argue that the illness caused serious mental deterioration
More likely, he realized that he was not indispensable and that others were waiting to take his crown
Gemellus and Macro were suspected of plotting against him and Caligula had them killed
Wives and Sisters
In the year 38, Caligula’s favorite sister, Drusilla died and he had her deified
Caligula had four wives
Junia Claudia in 33- died after childbirth
Livia Orestilla in 37- stepped in on her wedding day and took her for himself
Lollia Paulina in 38- divorced quickly
Milonia Caesonia in 39- the older woman had a trial period as his mistress and they had a daughter named Julia Drusilla; Caligula was very devoted to Caesonia and their daughter
Shows and Spectacles
Incitatus was his favorite racehorse
Horse lived in luxury and was even invited to dine with Caligula
Bridge of boats built at Baiae during summer of 39
Merchant ships requisitioned and new ships built on the spot, to form a continuous double line across Bay of Naples from Bauli to Puteoli, a distance over 2 miles
Road was built on top to serve as stage for a 2 day spectacle
Caligula rode as fast as he could across the bridge and back on a chariot
Was extremely costly
Caligula was very devoted to chariot racing and just
Promising Start
In the early months of his reign, Caligula abolished treason trials, paid generous bequeaths to the people of Rome and a large bonus to the praetorian guard who had helped him to power. It was a time of hope and relief. (p. 37)
Honeymoon Ends
Caligula fell ill 6 months after becoming emperor
He possibly had a nervous breakdown, however a physical ailment seems more likely
Said to have suffered epilepsy in his youth and had insomnia in later life
According to Suetonius, he only slept 3 hours a night and was troubled by terrifying nightmares
He would wander through palace colonnades, calling out for dawn and daylight
Recovered on October or November 37 (p. 38)
Some argue that the illness caused serious mental deterioration
More likely, he realized that he was not indispensable and that others were waiting to take his crown
Gemellus and Macro were suspected of plotting against him and Caligula had them killed
Wives and Sisters
In the year 38, Caligula’s favorite sister, Drusilla died and he had her deified
Caligula had four wives
Junia Claudia in 33- died after childbirth
Livia Orestilla in 37- stepped in on her wedding day and took her for himself
Lollia Paulina in 38- divorced quickly
Milonia Caesonia in 39- the older woman had a trial period as his mistress and they had a daughter named Julia Drusilla; Caligula was very devoted to Caesonia and their daughter
Shows and Spectacles
Incitatus was his favorite racehorse
Horse lived in luxury and was even invited to dine with Caligula
Bridge of boats built at Baiae during summer of 39
Merchant ships requisitioned and new ships built on the spot, to form a continuous double line across Bay of Naples from Bauli to Puteoli, a distance over 2 miles
Road was built on top to serve as stage for a 2 day spectacle
Caligula rode as fast as he could across the bridge and back on a chariot
Was extremely costly
Caligula was very devoted to chariot racing and just