The Excesses Of Caligula Essay - 1239 Words

The Excesses Of Caligula Why were the actions of Caligula regarded as excessive? Why was such behaviour important in the evaluation of an emperors image? When Caligula took the title of emperor of Rome, the population of that vast empire felt that a new dawn was emerging. Here was someone with youth on his side to reign over them, by contrast after the aged Tiberius. Because of his earlier travels with them on their campaigns, he had the loyalty of the troops, which was always important in a militarist empire. But the biggest thing he had going for him was his direct family contact with the revered Augustus, Caligula through his mother was the great grandson of the man and his reign was hoped to take them back to what was already†¦show more content†¦This document is about the excesses of the rule of Caligula, and reveals them in all their shocking horrors and shows just how the population should fear absolute power. Other of his excesses emerges further into this source. We see that he also had the ?statues of the gods? including ?Zeus? brought to Rome, to have their heads removed and ?replaced with his own this is impiety of a great degree. If this was not considered excessive enough, the most powerful man in the known world decided to stand between the gods of ?castor and Pollux and was worshipped by those that approached; being called or hailed as Jupiter of Latium?. He had his own ?Priests? and a ?golden life-sized statue ? of himself, with the influential becoming his priests, just by merely spending their money on him ensured their influence on the most powerful man in the world. Birds obtained at high cost and from throughout the empire were sacrificed in his name, ?Victims were flamingos, peacocks, woodcocks, guinea hens and pheasants? P256). These birds have a certain majesty that would suggest poignancy at their deaths. This is hinted at by Suetonius use of the word ?victim?, truly deeply excessive behaviour by Caligula. Claudius by contrast knew how to behave better when he was offeredShow MoreRelatedSex in the City-the Roman Empire1579 Words   |  7 Pagesmuch worse. Born Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus, Caligula got his nickname meaning little boots from the miniature army boots he wore as a child. After his parents and two older brothers died, Caligula was forced to live with Emperor Tiberius in his villa. In fact it was Tiberius who arranged for Caligulas mother and two brothers to be killed (Suetonius 150). Forced to be at the whim of an old man who killed most of his family, Caligula was doomed to witness and participate in disgustingRead MoreSummary : Claudius Drusus Germanicus 1716 Words   |  7 Pages(Morgan 13). Clearly born into a highly selectively bred family, the expectations for success were of mammoth proportions. At the age of two, Agrippa (Nero s mother) was banished to the Pontian Islands by Caligula and his familial inheritance was seized only a year later when his father died. Once Caligula was dethroned, Agrippina (Nero s mother) was allowed back into Rome and Nero was given a good education as a potential new political leader. When Agrippina was re-married, it was to her uncle, the emperorRead MoreThe Roman Principate, An Era That Has A Clear Induction Essay1868 Words   |  8 Pagesposition, the princeps, or emperor, needed to have the loyalty of the armies. Augustus defeated Antony because he had the loyalty of the armies. Claudius, though a more intellectual ruler, made his presence in the armies very clear from the beginning. Caligula did not have the loyalty of the armies, and he died by the hands of soldiers. The entire shape of the hierarchy in Rome, is dependent on what role the military is playing. It is possible that the princeps could have attempted to strip the military