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Julio-Claudian Emperors

Caligula (37-41)

Caligula was the son of the murdered Germanicus. Since opposition to Tiberius had gathered around Agrippina, her son was immediately popular. He was also well-liked by the army. He had travelled with his father in northern campaigns. He liked to go around the camp wearing his father's boots, which earned him his nickname of "little boots"—Caligula.

He was known to be amiable, spirited, and clever. Later historians would aver dark rumors about even his youngest days, but there is no real evidence for this.

He started well. Raised to the purple by the Praetorian Prefect, the Senate had no choice but to accept him. Caligula moved quickly to win friends. He abolished the sales tax, recalled those exiled in the reign of Tiberius, and suppressed the use of paid informers. He gave splendid public games and shows, winning the adoration of the common people of Rome.

There is nothing in his early months to hint at what was coming. Then, in 38, he fell ill of a fever and was near death for weeks. When he recovered, he was a monster. Again, later historians told of endless foul acts committed before his illness, but they were all private and secret (e.g., he allegedly poisoned his own father, at the age of 10!). The public record shows no trace of this personality.

After his illness, however, his excesses were public indeed.