Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus Germanicus (referred to hereafter as ‘Caligula’), was born on August 31st, 12 in Antium, Italy. He became the 4th Emperor of the Roman Empire in 37, and was killed in 41. He reigned for just 3 years and 10 months (Bio.com ). He came to power when his predecessor Tiberius died, mainly because the primary heir was to young. Caligula’s father, Germanicus’ reputation gave Caligula excellent public approval at first, and was unanimously appointed to Emperor by the Senate. He was killed by several members of the Praetorian Guard due to his corruption, and was succeeded by his uncle, Claudius
This essay is an analyzation of the biography of Gaius Caligula, written by the ancient historian Suetonius. Suetonius was most …show more content…
Suetonius describes how Caligula vastly expanded his personal residence as far as the forum, and demanded to be worshipped as a god. Suetonius describes how Caligula discredited his grandmother and great-grandmother, and killed the young Tiberius on the pretext that he had insulted Caligula. Caligula also had ongoing incestuous relationships with his sisters. When discussion his marital history Suetonius states plainly, “It would be hard to say whether the way he got married, the way he dissolved marriages, or the way he behaved as a husband was most disgraceful.” (Suetonius, 2007) From here Suetonius describes the generally awful way he treated those around him, namely his family, and discusses in some depth Caligula’s “brazen impudence”. He gives a great many examples for this. Suetonius describes in depth Caligula’s sexual habits, much of which could be classified as rape. Caligula also had little regard for money, blowing much of Rome’s money on extravagances of the likes of perfume baths, drinking pearls, etc. He supported these habits with vast increases in taxes, and even by opening up what was basically a whore house “stocked with married women and young freeborn boys.” (Suetonius, 2007) Suetonius moves on from here to a detailed description of Caligula’s narcissism and “mental illness”, and ends the biography with a quick description of his
This essay is an analyzation of the biography of Gaius Caligula, written by the ancient historian Suetonius. Suetonius was most …show more content…
Suetonius describes how Caligula vastly expanded his personal residence as far as the forum, and demanded to be worshipped as a god. Suetonius describes how Caligula discredited his grandmother and great-grandmother, and killed the young Tiberius on the pretext that he had insulted Caligula. Caligula also had ongoing incestuous relationships with his sisters. When discussion his marital history Suetonius states plainly, “It would be hard to say whether the way he got married, the way he dissolved marriages, or the way he behaved as a husband was most disgraceful.” (Suetonius, 2007) From here Suetonius describes the generally awful way he treated those around him, namely his family, and discusses in some depth Caligula’s “brazen impudence”. He gives a great many examples for this. Suetonius describes in depth Caligula’s sexual habits, much of which could be classified as rape. Caligula also had little regard for money, blowing much of Rome’s money on extravagances of the likes of perfume baths, drinking pearls, etc. He supported these habits with vast increases in taxes, and even by opening up what was basically a whore house “stocked with married women and young freeborn boys.” (Suetonius, 2007) Suetonius moves on from here to a detailed description of Caligula’s narcissism and “mental illness”, and ends the biography with a quick description of his