Lecture Notes on Caligula

Introduction

• Caligula's ascendance to power marked a new golden age following Tiberius' reign.
• Initial celebrations quickly turned to horror due to Caligula’s sadistic behavior.

Early Life

• Born in 12 A.D., Caligula was the third son of a celebrated commander, Gaius Julius Caesar.
• His father, Germanicus, was a war hero; mother, Agrippina, was the granddaughter of Emperor Augustus.
• Grew up amid family rivalries and jealousy, particularly due to Germanicus being a threat to Tiberius.

Family Tragedy

• Germanicus returned gloriously in 17 A.D., but died two years later under suspicious circumstances.
• Agrippina blamed Tiberius for Germanicus’ death, leading to her and her sons’ persecution.
• Caligula was spared and lived with his powerful grandmothers during this time.

Tiberius and Capri

• Tiberius recalled Caligula to Capri when he was 19, where he lived under Tiberius' watch.
• Tiberius’ reign was infamous for cruelty and treason trials.
• Caligula learned to hide his feelings and align himself with Macro, the head of the Praetorian Guard.

Rise to Power

• Tiberius named Caligula and Gemellus as joint successors; however, Tiberius died in March 37.
• The Senate disregarded Tiberius' will and handed control solely to Caligula, who was only 24 years old.

Initial Reign

• Caligula's first six months were filled with public celebrations and extravagant spending.
• Despite initial popularity, he faced a severe breakdown due to stress, impacting his mental health for life.
• He demanded loyalty displays, including gladiatorial fights.

Descent into Madness

• After recovery, Caligula began to display erratic and tyrannical behavior against former allies and family.
• Executed those he perceived as threats, including his father-in-law and Macro, his ally.

Sadism and Excess

• Engaged in extreme sexual and sadistic behaviors, including torturing victims publicly.
• Developed a reputation for extreme cruelty, leading to widespread fear and unrest in Rome.
• Lavished wealth on spectacles, further stressing the Empire’s finances.

Military Ambitions

• Aimed to expand the empire, particularly into Britain, but faced military failures.
• Famed for his absurd act of collecting seashells as spoils of war.

Divine Aspirations

• Sought to be treated as a god, leading to tensions with the Senate and public outrage.
• Ordered a statue of himself in Jerusalem, provoking riots.

Assassination

• On January 24, 41 A.D., Caligula was assassinated by a conspiracy involving family members and the Praetorian Guard.
• His death left a legacy as a tyrant, with Claudius succeeding him amidst relief from the Senate.

Conclusion

• Caligula’s reign lasted just under four years and was marked by extreme behaviors and brutality.
• His actions highlighted the dangers of absolute power and its corrupting influence.

• Key Themes: Absolute power, tyranny, family tragedy, madness, imperial ambitions.