Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus (Caligula) A.D. 37-41

CALIGULA: METHOD OR MADNESS? Describe in detail the more bizarre actions and attitudes of the Emperor Gaius and discuss possible rational motives behind them. What was he trying to prove?

Emperor Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus (Caligula), 37 - 41 AD = Tiberius Gemellus (co-heirs to the throne)

A. Momigliano, Claudius: The Emperor and His Achievement

J.P.V.D. Balsdon, Emperor Gaius

M.P. Charlesworth, CAH vol 10.665f.

Gaius came to power in March of 37 (age 25) and fell ill in October. His first act after his illness was to order Gemellus to commit suicide. He also ordered his aunt Antonia to die. However, a surviving inscription shows that Antonia died May 1, 37 AD, that is, prior to his illness. Quest for the spectacular as an end in itself, a sure sign of megalomania, characterized all of Gaius’ enterprises. First act after aillness, sent orders to Tiberius Gemellus to commit suicide. Uncle Claudius was spared. Senators who vowed to die to save the princeps during his illness were now forced to keep their promises. 38 AD, Caligula deified his sister Drusilla (as Aphrodite) with a college of 20 priests. He accepted the cult of Isis, banned previously by Tiberius. He eliminated Macro as prefect of the praetorian guard, by making him Prefect of Egypt then ordering him to commit suicide. He then condemned his wife and those connected for the parts played in the trials of Agrippina and Drusus, producing documents that had supposedly been destroyed. A new wave of treason trials, partly because he needed the money, he spent the entire surplus accumulated under Tiberius in one year, so he conducted auctions, confiscations, new taxes, and inheritances. Victims of new trials were forced to fight and die as gladiators, with shows of unparalleled ferocity and blood.

He showed no real interest in works of public utility. He insisted on receiving part of all inheritance estates, or all of it if he was not included in the will. Bachelors were obliged by law to make the princeps their sole heirs.

He attacked the senate for participating in Tiberius’ treason trials as prosecutors and judges. Senate thanked him by voting praise for his sincerity and thanks for not putting them all to death.

The Bridge across the bay of Puteoli, driving chariot across it wearing cuirass believed to have belonged to Alexander the Great and accompanied by Darius, son of the King of Parthia. More treason trials, senators and generals forced to commit suicide including Agricola, the father-in-law of Tacitus.

The consuls forgot to celebrate the feast of his birthday so he had them deposed, a program of absolutism and self-deification.

He assists relatives connected through M. Antony, making them kings in Armeenia, Pontus and the Bosporus. Client kings who were his friends (Herod Agrippa, Antiochus IV of Commagene - “tutors in tyranny”) receive extensive client kingdoms. Greeks in Alexandria use ruler cult to expose Jewish separatism, try to convert synagogues to temples for the Imperial ruler cult. Gaius took this personally.

Visit of Jewish embassy from Alexandria Egypt, led by Philo.

Caligula orders the governor of Syria to erect in the temple of Jerusalem a statue of Zeus in his likeness and to quash any resistance. Petronius had the statue build at Sidon but moves it very slowly. Order for Petronius to commit suicide arrived 23 days after the news of Caligula’s own death.

Goes to Germany to acquire military glory, assembles 10 legions on the Rhine. 39 AD,, powerful conspiracy among the generals. 40 AD attempted crossing of Channel to Britain, but fails. Returns to Rome to celebrate 7 triumphs.

New Temple to divine Gaius at Didyma, T. Of Gaius on the Capitoline, he dressed like a god, builds new palace with bridge to Capitoline.

When people protested in the theater he used troops to masasacre him. Only remaining loyalty wawere troops but by this point even the praetorians realized that he had to go.

Explore the range of his insane antics according to

1. his DIVINITY

2. INSULTING THE SENATE

3. INSULTING THE ARMY 39 AD

4. INSULTING THE PUBLIC